World T20 Round 1 Review; Associate and Affiliate Cricket Podcast
Russell Degnan

With the first round of the World T20 concluded, Andrew Nixon (@andrewnixon79) and Russell Degnan (@idlesummers) review each match and the performances of the associate qualifiers; discuss the Gruitjers controversy, the format and Dutch chances in the second round. There is also news from the United States as the ACF announces its league competition.

Direct Download Running Time 59min. Music from Martin Solveig, "Big in Japan"

The associate and affiliate cricket podcast is an attempt to expand coverage of associate tournaments by obtaining local knowledge of the relevant nations. If you have or intend to go to a tournament at associate level - men's women's, ICC, unaffiliated - then please get in touch in the comments or by email.

Idle Summers 26th March, 2014 12:19:29   [#] [0 comments] 

Last man standing, Ratings 27th March
Russell Degnan

3rd TestSouth AfricavAustralia
Pre-rating1317.51249.3
Form-1.7+49.0
Expected MarginSouth Africa by 84 runs
Actual MarginSouth Africa by 245 runs
Post-rating1299.41273.7

A classic end to a classic series, albeit one without two-sided matches. Warner's innings demonstrated an ease with the conditions that Clarke's sorely lacked, but the latter fought his way to 161 not out, damaged ribs and all. Rain saw a declaration for a comparatively low score, but with two days gone, and Australia's intent to win was obvious throughout the match. South Africa faced a sustained barrage from Australia's pace attack, though they slipped away to get from 5/146 to 287, tiring the bowling enough in the process to hope for a draw after the coming declaration.

And it came quickly, behind Warner's 145 off 156 balls, and with Steyn unable to bowl more than 3 overs. 511 was, in restrospect, more than Australia needed, though in the end it didn't matter. The final day saw an attritional battle remarkable for numbers 4 through 9 all facing more than 89 balls, yet the highest score being only 51. In the end it only took two balls. But out on their feet having spent two and a half days in the field, the majority of the overs coming from three quicks with ther share of injuries, the ability to lift that final time can't be stressed enough.

It capped a brilliant summer of bowling for Australia, with the batting showing signs of strength, but plenty of weaknesses. It is the latter that prevents them taking the top spot, and they'll need to travel to the UAE, and beat Pakistan, to do so. South Africa have a habit of losing at home to Australia, but the retirement of Kallis and Smith means they start a new era. They do so from a position of great strength, but in the short term at least, we're likely to see any and all of the top five sides winning their share of matches.

Rankings at 27th March 2014
1.South Africa1299.4
2.Australia1273.7
3.India1150.1
4.England1105.8
5.Pakistan1093.9
6.Sri Lanka1017.5
7.New Zealand923.5
8.West Indies894.7
9.Bangladesh600.6
12.Zimbabwe560.2

10.Ireland594.8
11.Afghanistan587.6
13.Scotland430.3
14.Namibia383.4
15.Kenya276.4
16.U.A.E.257.3
17.Netherlands182.4
18.Canada147.9

Shaded teams have played fewer than 2 games per season. Non-test team ratings are not comparable to test ratings as they don't play each other.

Idle Summers 20th March, 2014 23:53:00   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXCVII, March 2014
Russell Degnan

Parliament House. Taken March 2014

Melbourne Town 18th March, 2014 00:03:25   [#] [0 comments] 

The Gastronomic Pub Crawl of Fitzroy; The Gertrude Hotel
Russell Degnan

148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
(Corner Gertrude and Napier Street)

While the open air front bar with windows opening out to wooden street furniture indicate a recent refit, the Gertrude Hotel has done it pretty well. Lots of high tables and benches - one lining the exterior wall to offer the aforementoned view out - with a more intimate dining area at the back. On tap are a variety of craft beers, whch attracts exactly the clientele you'd expect in the heart of Fitzroy's arts district.

Meals are well priced, at a tad over $20, but not quite standard pub fare, with slightly smaller servings and a slightly classier mix of ingredients. It being cheap parma night we could hardly resist the offer. It wasn't a memorable meal, but nor was it it shoddy, and I'd certainly recommend the pub for a quiet drink, particularly on a nice day when the breeze can filter through.

The Short: For connosieurs of craft beer

Melbourne Town 17th March, 2014 23:56:25   [#] [0 comments] 

WCL5 Review, World T20 Preview; Associate and Affiliate Cricket Podcast
Russell Degnan

Andrew Nixon (@andrewnixon79) and Russell Degnan (@idlesummers) review World Cricket League Division Five where Jersey were victorious. We also look at the opening round of the World T20 where six associate teams will look to knock off a full member for a berth in the second stage. Also reviewed and previewed: Afghanistan's efforts in the Asia Cup; Ireland's chances at the Women's World T20; and Africa T20 Division Three. And there is news from Oman's associate member bid, Afghanistan's memorandum of understanding with Sri Lanka and the North American Cricket Championship.

Direct Download Running Time 29min. Music from Martin Solveig, "Big in Japan"

The associate and affiliate cricket podcast is an attempt to expand coverage of associate tournaments by obtaining local knowledge of the relevant nations. If you have or intend to go to a tournament at associate level - men's women's, ICC, unaffiliated - then please get in touch in the comments or by email.

Idle Summers 17th March, 2014 02:02:53   [#] [0 comments] 

Monday Melbourne: CCXCVI, March 2014
Russell Degnan

Corpuscular; White Night lights. Taken February 2014

Melbourne Town 3rd March, 2014 23:23:03   [#] [0 comments]