Thoughts and review of 'Beyond the Boundary'. -- Posted Sunday, December 31 2006
I know a book collector in Singapore who has two copies of each volume he possesses. One copy is wrapped in polythene and sent down to his basement, where it lies in a sanitised and dust-free environment, away from the polluting hand of man. The other copy is placed in his shelves, where it is accessible to him and to such his friends as he can trust.
I have not this fellow's bank balance, nor the space in my own home to follow a practice that seems at once paranoid and practical. I keep a single copy of each book I own, except in one case, where I have kept not two copies but three. Thus I have the first edition, complete, with its original dust jacket. This is placed on the highest shelf in my home, away from the reach of my children. I hardly get to touch it myself. My second copy is the book's first paperback printing, its soft covers concealed in the beautiful leather binding of a master craftsman from Old Delhi. This copy is for me alone; to read, on the average, once a year every year since it first came into my hands during the World Book Fair of 1976.
The third of my copies is a recent paperback, with a lush cover designed to attract the illiterate American to its contents. This is the least valuable of the book's many editions; printed in New York, and with an introduction by a baseball critic. Still, except for the prelim pages, the contents are as in the original. This copy of mine is currently in the keeping of a poet (and fellow Hindu columnist) who lives in a forest clearing somewhere along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border. When he returns the book, it shall be passed on to a scholar and cricket writer in Hyderabad, who first asked me for it more than five years ago.
This most prized of my books is C.L.R. James's 'Beyond a Boundary'. It is the kind of work one does not need an excuse to celebrate, but there is one at hand: the fact that this year is the centenary of its author's birth.
Born in the Trinidadian village of Tunapuna, James was educated on the pitches of the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain and, more formally, in the Queen's Royal College. After school, he worked as a teacher and critic. In 1930 he travelled to England at the invitation of his friend Learie Constantine, then playing as a professional in the Lancashire Leagues. He was carrying with him the manuscript of his first book, The Case for West Indian Self-Government. The book was published in 1932 by Leonard and Virginia Woolf at the Hogarth Press. The next year appeared Constantine's autobiography, Cricket and I, a work that, if not exactly ghosted, was guided and put into proper shape by James.
At this time, James also worked as a cricket correspondent for the Manchester Guardian. In the winters he studied history and Marxism. These endeavours resulted, in 1938, in the publication of his book The Black Jacobins, a brilliant analysis of a successful slave revolt that took place in Haiti towards the end of the 18th Century. In the same year James went to the United States, where he organised Black workers and catalysed Marxist groups through his speaking and writing. In 1953, at the height of the McCarthyist "Red Scare", he was deported for his views, but appealed against the order. While the case was being heard he was in an internment camp on Ellis Island, working on a book on Hermann Melville.
James lost his case, and returned to England. He began watching and writing about cricket once more, and helped that other great West Indian cricketing pioneer, George Headley, to put together his memoirs. In 1958, James was called back to Trinidad. Here, as the editor of the The Nation newspaper, he played a critical role in the campaign to have Frank Worrell chosen as the first black captain of the West Indies. The job done, he came back to England, where he was based until his death in 1989.
James had been working on Beyond a Boundary all his life, but it was good that its eventual publication was delayed. For it finally came out in the summer of 1963, and was thus read and discussed in England at the same time as Frank Worrell's team was stylishly outplaying the home side in the Tests of that year. With justifiable pride, the author wrote to the West Indian manager that "as I see the book it is 12th man on your sides".
Beyond a Boundary is a work of history, a magisterial analysis of the role played by sport in the making of the modern world. It is also anthropology, an exploration of the impact of colour and class on the cricket field. It is comparative sociology, locating the West Indian experience in the light of Victorian England and the ancient Greeks.
It is autobiography, an account of one man's lifelong engagement with the game of cricket. And it is literature, a piece of writing crafted with care and love, a work that captures with subtly all the moods of the human experience: happiness, humour, triumph, tragedy, and despair.
Like no other work I know, Beyond a Boundary beautifully brings together these different genres of literature and scholarship. I have read, and re-read, the book for its evocative portraits of West Indian cricketers, the immortals such as Headley and Constantine and the now forgotten local heroes such as George John and Wilton St. Hill. I have read it for its account of colonial cricket clubs obsessed with shades of white and black, for its analysis (still unequalled by any British writer) of what W. G. Grace meant to his Age, for its account of the Worrell campaign, and-not least-for its fine technical understanding of the game, its perfectly executed cameos of strokeful innings and hostile bowling spells.
Despite its periodic reprinting in the West, Beyond a Boundary remains a book difficult to get hold of. Not many copies, for good reason, get into the second-hand shops (who, having got one, would ever want to dispose of it?).
The reader in search of a copy to own might try his luck on the Net. As for the reader who simply wants to read the book, my third copy is available: except that the first available slot on the waiting list is number 155.
The writer is the editor of The Picador Book of Cricket.
Book review sourced from:-
http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/2001/12/09/stories/2001120900290300.htm
http://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/bkrev/james-84.php
An Extract from Cricketers in Vancouver(1889-1988) -- Posted Saturday, December 30 2006
Cricketers of Vancouver (1889-1988)
It is the intention of this article to document some of the history and highlight many individual performances that have occurred over the 100 years of cricket in Vancouver.
Vancouver C.C. was officially formed in 1889 and thus officially cricket was begun in this area. In fact, cricket was being played here as soon as the British began to populate British Columbia in the 1850's. In "British Columbia: a History" by Margaret Ormsby, mention is made of cricket being taught the children in 1852.
Vancouver sides played Victoria, in Victoria, in 1884 and 1886. Mention has been made of the early years of cricket in Vancouver elsewhere in this program due to the efforts of people like Jerry Rogers (after whom Jericho Beach was named) who logged off the Brockton Point Ground in Stanley Park. This ground was fit for play in 1892 and the first match played there was against a team from San Francisco.
The British Columbia Mainland Cricket League, the body organizing and controlling cricket on the Lower Mainland, was formed in 1914.
Records show that Henry Kortlang, playing for the 6th Canadian Field Engineers, scored 1,260 runs in 16 inning with an average of 105 in 1918. Kortlang, an Australian who had his cricket career interrupted by the war, had played for Victoria State. He moved to New Zealand after the war and played for New Zealand in 1923-24.
The 1920's
After the First World War, Vancouver cricket began to flourish. A Junior Cricket League was formed in 1920 and the products of this League began to foster cricket in the area.
Players such as Harry Warren (1921 captain of first Junior intercity match with Victoria (Reg Wenman, Victoria Captain), M. Berridge, S. Smith and M.J. Crehan developed from the Junior League and represented B.C. in 1929. Looking into the records shows that Tom Reid and Percy Broadfoot were the mainstays of Auroras, Chris Addie from Army and Navy and E.S. (Stan) Bullen consistently made the averages throughout the 20's and 30's. Terry Rivers, a left arm bowler, consistently obtained five to nine wickets per game.
The 1930's
Bob Quinn, a tremendous hitter of the ball, formed the Vancouver Juniors in 1930. While playing for City vs. North Shore in 1927, Quinn scored 142 which included 12 sixes and 11 fours. He did the trick again in the same summer scoring 153 in just over an hour.
In 1930 George Berridge, aged 20 and a product of the Junior League, represented B.C. at the Western Canada Cricket Tournament held at Calgary, Alberta. Berridge, an all rounder who played for Brockton Point, Burrard and then the Bank of Commerce, was a consistent performer throughout the 1930's.
In 1932 the Australian Test side made a goodwill tour of Canada with Donald Bradman as Captain and Arthur Mailey as Manager. A B.C. Mainland side (of 15 batsmen) defeated the Australian Test Side by 18 runs in one match. However, Australia came right back in the second match with Bradman scoring 186 to easily defeat the Vancouver XI.
Throughout the 1930's cricket was one of the most popular games in Vancouver. Crowds of over 200 people were at all regular league games and crowds ranging from 2,000 - 3,000 came out to watch the Australians and MCC sides.
Players of the 1930's some playing in both the Saturday League and the Wednesday League (in those days most people worked Saturday mornings and therefore received Wednesday afternoon off), amassed some outstanding statistics.
Norman Pearson, 17 years old at the time, scored 1,023 runs in 12 innings for an average of 85.25 in 1934 before leaving for England on a tour with Kitsilano Boy's Band. Pearson scored 223 runs in two hours in a game in 1938 - a Canadian record for the greatest number of runs in the shortest time.
Arthur Salt, aged 18, scored 2,004 runs in the 1936 season playing in both Wednesday and Saturday Leagues (38 innings), and Basil Robinson, 17, scored 1,533 runs and took 182 wickets in the 1936 season while playing in both Leagues. Robinson later became a Rhodes scholar, and also had the distinction of being the only Canadian ever to be awarded a Blue for cricket at Oxford University.
Other outstanding players of this era were Walter Scott who combined with Pearson for a first wicket partnership of 238 runs in 1938 (Scott 100; Pearson 122). Scott, selected to tour England with the Hon. R.C. Matthews Canadian Team in 1936, was another outstanding all rounder.
The 1940's
As a result of the Second World War, the Vancouver League fell to eight teams during the 1940's. However, players like Bill Hendy, along with many of those mentioned from the 1930's continued to make cricket one of the dominant games in the area.
Hendy, considered as the best all rounder of the time and a mighty hitter of the ball, dominated Vancouver cricket for a number of years. During the 1943 season, Hendy took 127 wickets and scored 1102 runs while taking part in 26 matches. On September 1, 1945 Hendy scored 125 runs N.O. and then took 10 Vancouver C.C. wickets for 12 runs while playing for Vancouver Rowing club.
Hendy was at, or near the top of the averages throughout the 1950's while other players began to emerge as stalwarts for their clubs.
Robin Johnston of North Shore, Noel Buckley of Brockton Point, Basil Robinson of Varsity, Sandy Dickson and Harry Booth of F.A. Barr's XI continually made the averages in the post war years.
The 1950's and 1960's
In the late 1940's and early 1950's names such as Stan Hansen, Tom Brierley, Jack Kyle, George Nugent, Peter and Alan Stead, Peter Darling, Bob Quintrell, Ken Akroyd, J.W.S.(Wally) Tait began to appear consistently in the top batting or bowling averages.
In 1951,the MCC captained by R.W.V. Robins, were defeated by a B.C. Mainland League team by 28 runs and four B.C. players were selected to tour England with the Canadian team in 1954. Members chosen were Tom Brierley, Bob Quintrell, Bill Hendy and Peter Stead.
Brierley of Varsity led the League averages in three years and was either second or third for another three years in the early 1950's before moving to Vancouver Island.
Stan Hansen, a superb all rounder who played for South Hill, figured in the top ten batting every year from 1950-1959 and captained most B.C. sides and Vancouver representative sides during the late 1950's and early 1960's.
Unfortunately for most other teams, two of the most outstanding cricketing careers that Vancouver has ever seen began emerging in the early 1950's when Jack Kyle and George Nugent combined their batting and bowling talents for Brockton Point C.C. The result was five consecutive First Division championships from 1957- 1961.
Jack Kyle made his debut into the batting averages in 1951 and began what has been up to this point the most outstanding batting record of any Vancouver cricketer. Kyle became one of the most prolific run scorers appearing in the batting averages in 17 consecutive years until 1968. In that time Kyle won the batting championship eight times!
Meanwhile his outstanding teammate, George Nugent, was beginning an equally outstanding career. Nugent first appeared in the bowling averages in 1952 and over a 25 year period he was in the first or second division averages 18 times. Nugent consistently averaged below 10.00 per wicket and was usually one of the top three wicket takers each year.
Another dominant bowler of that time was Peter Stead of Burrard C.C. Stead and Nugent battled for the bowling championship for two and one half decades. Stead first entered the averages in 1952 and over an illustrious career figured in the averages or was the top wicket taker in 15 of those years. Along with his brother Alan Stead who bowled for both Burrard and Vancouver, the Stead family was a household word throughout the 1950's and 60's.
Combinations of players seemed to be abundant in these years as another pair R.N. (Bob) Quintrell and Peter Darling of North Shore constantly appear in both bowling and batting averages.
Quintrell, a pace bowler and fluent batsman, topped the batting averages twice during the 1950's and made the averages six times from 1952-1961. After a short time away to his native Australia, he returned and again figured in the batting averages in 1967 and 1968 while playing for VRC and West Vancouver.
Ray Robins, a solid and steady batsman for West Vancouver figured in the averages eight times from 1957-1968 and topped the first division averages in 1963.
M.C.P. (Mike) Livingstone, a heavy stroker of the ball achieved the batting averages eight times while playing for U.B.C. Occasionals from 1957-1985.
Euan Kirkwood of Burrard, a strong hooker of the ball, was a consistent performer from 1959-1971. Kirkwood, also a wicketkeeper of note, figured in the averages eight times.
Meanwhile during the mid fifties, a hard hitting Canadian called J.W.S. (Wally) Tait came on the scene. A quick scorer with an outstanding eye. Tait appeared in the averages 10 times from 1955-1975. Tait won the Bradman bat twice in his illustrious career and scored a quick century playing in a Canada-U.S.A. test match.
Other solid players of the 1950's and 1960's included Ken Akroyd a stalwart bat and bowler for Burrard, South Hill and Vancouver Rowing Club; Rodan Singh, a middle order batsman for Brockton Point; Frank Sealy, a quick opening bowler and fluid batsman for Varsity and D.M.K. (Dave) Foster, and outstanding wicketkeeper batsman for Kerrisdale. Each appeared in the batting averages five times during their cricketing careers.
The 1960's and 1970's
The 1960's and 1970"s featured such names as Cliff Cox, Roger Cloy, Karam Gopaulsingh, Ellis Jorssen, Cecil Best, Darrell Winterlik, Mike Pearson, Bob Crawford, Stuart Beamon, Ben Seebaran, and Terry Parris. Each of these players dominated the averages during the 60's and some into the 70's and 80's.
Cliff Cox of Vancouver Rowing Club was a consistent performer from 1960 until 1978 appearing in the averages 10 times. Due to his and Cloy's efforts, VRC was a dominant force throughout the 70's winning the First Division title five out of six years from 1971-1977.
Roger Cloy, a member of Burrard and VRC, has been the most dominant bat in the League since Jack Kyle. Since 1966 the hard hitting Cloy has won the Bradman Trophy six times and appeared in the batting averages 13 times. His most notable achievement was in the 1978 season when he scored exactly 1000 runs in 19 innings for an average of 90.91.
Darrell Winterlik, an all rounder who played for Brockton Point and South Hill, came on the scene in 1967 when he made the averages for the first time. He continued to be one of the most consistent batsman of the 1970's and early 1980's making the averages 15 times and winning the Bradman Trophy once.
Ben Seebaran, an outstanding spin bowler and all rounder, appears in the bowling analyses of the first and second divisions eight times from 1962-1983. Seebaran, a natural wicket taker, consistently was at the top of the list.
During the 1960's a wicketkeeper for Burrard, Cecil Best, displayed a talent which impressed all those who played. Best won the Joe Killick Trophy on three separate occasions. His quickness behind the wicket was remarkable, but he was more noted for his zest and love of the game.
Karam Gopaulsingh, a solid opening bat for Brockton Point made the averages eight times. He was consistently selected for B.C. during the late 1960's and early 1970's. Armed with a solid defense, Gopaulsingh faced most provinces opening attacks with success and played for Canada vs. the U.S.A. on numerous occasions.
Ellis Jorssen, of Brockton Point and VRC was a fluid scorer of runs from the middle order and, from 1967-1975 made the averages eight times.
Mike Pearson, another cricketer who learned his cricket in Vancouver and played for West Vancouver, appeared in the averages six times. Bob Crawford, also of West Vancouver and Stuart Beamon of Burrard made the batting averages six times through the 1970's. Terry Parris of Varsity and South Hill, Dick Griffin of Vancouver Rowing Club and Lloyd Edwards of Varsity and South Hill consistently appeared in bowling averages.
The 1980's
Today, we have a number of players who consistently dominate either batting or bowling averages just as others have done in their time.
Players such as Dave Simmons of Vancouver C.C. an all rounder who has already made the batting averages eight times and the bowling averages nine times since 1974; Jeff Ryan, Anza- South Hill, who from 1975 has made the averages seven times; Steven Deare, Brockton Point, a superb fielder and all rounder, who has appeared six times in the bowling averages, four in batting, and has represented Canada.
Other consistent performers are Steve Miller and Frank Jarman of West Vancouver, Chris Van Twest and Martin Stead of Brockton Point and Gary Smee of Vancouver Rowing Club.
Under the captaincy of Van Twest and Stead, Brockton Point has once again as in the fifties become the dominant team in the First Division. They captured seven consecutive championships and surpassed the record of five consecutive titles their club produced in the late 1950's.
Cricket in Vancouver has slowly developed from four or five teams in the early 1900's to the present day when there are 43 teams playing in five divisions.
Time will obviously include more individuals on the long list of cricketers who have excelled on the field and who will be remembered in the future. Shown below are two of B.C. cricket's most loyal supporters over the last six decades. Mr. George Berridge (deceased) and Mr. Peter Molyneux not only ran the Vancouver Juniors C.C. but also supported all Junior Cricket Programs of the B.C.C.A. and B.C.M.C. L. It is through their efforts that many of the players mentioned in this article were given opportunities to play cricket in the Lower Mainland. Thank you for years of effort, devotion and your valuable guidance.
Submitted by Darrell Winterlik
Article sourced from:- http://www.cricketclub.org/canada_history.html
Bradman's delight in Canada -- Posted Friday, December 29 2006
Vancouver's Stanley Park is not perhaps the first place in the world that one associates with the comforting thud of leather on willow, still less a place where a nostalgic British sports fan might go to soak up an idyllic Sunday afternoon of traditional English cricket.
But as Flintoff et al rekindled the Ashes back in 'Blighty', I - and a handful of other sports-starved expats - elected to live vicariously through the slightly less frenetic action of Stanley Park's Brockton Oval; a ground once described by the late, great Don Bradman as the most magnificent he had ever played upon.
When it comes to peculiarly British passions, cricket - in a country driven euphoric by ice hockey and baseball - is a largely indecipherable pastime.
Whilst the ever-polite Canucks might still imprint the queen's head on their coins and flutter the Union Jack on a handful of their provincial flags, their grasp of googlies, silly mid-offs and men in white coats is about as esoteric as the sight of Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards catapulting off a Calgary ski jump.
It's a puzzling dichotomy in the circumstances. In other ex-British colonies, such as Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan, cricket is embedded into the national consciousness with all the fervour of an alternative religion.
But somehow the ever-loyal Canadians missed out.
Some cricket historians blame the colder climate whilst others highlight the country's proximity to baseball-crazy America as the crux of the problem. More still point to the fact that a game that goes on for five days and still only manages to cough up a paltry draw is just too darned dull for the average North American armchair enthusiast to appreciate.
Or is it?
In common with a large number of my British compatriots, my own rather revelatory initiation to Canadian cricket culture happened quite by chance.
For Vancouverites, a Sunday afternoon outing to Stanley Park is one of the city's longest standing traditions.
Joining the hordes of biking and jogging-mad locals in a brisk circumnavigation of the vista-laden seawall one bright summer's day in August, my wife and I encountered, in the space of just one hour, everything from an open-air symphony concert, to an ocean-side wedding party, to a boisterous beach volleyball competition in full swing.
Amidst such quintessentially Canadian pastimes, cricket was the last thing on my mind.
It was only as we were rounding the final tree-lined promontory of Brockton Point that an improbable scream interrupted our otherwise amiable meanderings.
"HOWWWWZAAAAATTTTTT!"
Alarmed somewhat by the ferocity of the cry, my Canadian wife - who, despite eighteen months spent married to a cricket fanatic, has never quite digested the intricacies of the 'LBW' law - jumped about three feet into the air.
I, meanwhile - with my more accustomed cricket-tuned ears -was already running up a nearby grassy knoll to grab my first unforgettable glimpse of the vivid jaw-dropping cityscape that had once so enraptured Bradman.
Spread out over a picture postcard playing field, with the rugged North Shore Mountains glimmering like ghostly sentinels in the background, eleven fielders, two batsmen and a couple of umpires dressed in distinctive white coats were heatedly discussing the merits of a controversial 'leg before wicket' call.
For first-time visitors, the sight of Brockton Oval - the proverbial jewel in the crown of Canadian cricket - is guaranteed to make even the sturdiest of stiff-upper-lips quiver momentarily with amazement.
It's almost as if the village greens of England have been scooped incongruously into the outlying foothills of the Himalayas and repositioned 6,000 miles to the west.
To local diehards, it's a warmly familiar panorama and proof - if proof was indeed needed - that west coast cricket heritage is anything but the marginalized sub-culture of lore.
With a burgeoning national team mixing foreign experience with a groundswell of home-grown talent the sport in Canada, whilst perhaps not yet ready to challenge baseball, has established deep and infinitely sustainable roots amongst an enthusiastic and highly committed minority.
Recently the battling Canucks finished third in an International Cricket Council tournament in Ireland to qualify for the 2007 World Cup and - according to national coach Mike Henry - the team now sits a stone's throw from fully-fledged Test match status.
For the gaggle of English, Asian and Australian ex-pats that cluster weekly around the Brockton Oval pavilion, it's an exciting possibility. Under the watchful eye of droning seaplanes, glittering Alaska-bound cruise liners and the craning towers of downtown Vancouver that flicker like glass cathedrals across waters of the choppy harbour, one of the world's most spectacularly located sports grounds could soon be hosting cricket matches that finally do justice to its magnificent natural setting.
One wonders what 'the Don' would have thought.
Article sourced from:-
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/main.jhtml?xml=/global/2005/10/31/exwor745.xml
Cricket Snippet #5 -- Posted Thursday, December 28 2006
"John Wisden, of Kent, born Brighton, Sussex, U.K., 1826, whose feat of 6 wickets in 6 balls versus The South, 1852, has been equalled only by a Mr. Brown of Godmanchester, Hereford, and Mr Kirkland of Bloxworth, Dorset.
Later, he set up a cigar and cricket ball factory and, in 1864, brought out his Almancac, which has furniched intellectual and spirtiual sustenance to many generations of right thinking Englishman."
(Item sourced from "Carr's Dictionary of extra-ordinary English Cricketers - published July 1977", and Harper's Gazetteer 1855 per JH).
How Selection works (Errol Townshend ) -- Posted Friday, December 22 2006
HOW SELECTION WORKS
The merchants of misinformation on the Forum delight in taking to task Canada’s five official selectors, Bhan Deonarine (chair) (Nova Scotia), Vivek Darubra (B.C), Chris James (Prairies), Errol Townshend (Ontario) and Arvind Patel (Quebec). (No prizes for who is their favorite target !)
Having myself engaged in a copious amount of selector-bashing over the past 45 years as a sports journalist, one thing I have learned is that the criticism and the facts, more often than not, travel on parallel lines that never meet. But the critics are at least entitled to know how the mystical system works in Canada.
The five official selectors are emphatically NOT the ones responsible for the final Canadian X1 that takes the field in any game. That’s the X1 that ultimately wins or loses any game.
Because most of the matches are under the aegis of the ICC, the president of each national association is required to sign an ICC player registration form prior to each tournament. The purpose of that document is to ensure that the players comply with ICC eligibility rules. The penalties for breach of those rules are quite severe, as Greece recently found out.
As a result of that ICC requirement, the national selectors of each country (first level) must submit the names of the squad to their respective Executives/ presidents (second level). In Canada decisions by those five official selectors on the makeup of the squad are taken by majority vote. No one person ever picks a team !
What happens to those 14 or 15 names after they are submitted to the various national Executives/presidents may vary from country to country.
In Canada, in recent times, that squad has been changed at the second level---sometimes significantly----- for a variety of reasons, without the approval of, or reference back to, the five official selectors. That second level (Executive/president) comprises six persons.
After the final squad---- as determined and signed off by the Executive/president---- has been okayed by the ICC as satisfying all their eligibility requirements, it is then handed over to the four-person team management.
The game day selection of the final X1 is then determined by the coach, captain and vice captain (third level) (sometimes with input from the manager), without reference to the original five selectors (first level) or the six-person Executive/President (second level).
As a result of this procedure the final game day X1 will have gone through some 15 individuals at the three levels !
As is obvious in such a highly compartmentalized three-level system, the three different levels of 15 “selectors” may, and frequently do, have radically different approaches to team selection. Efforts over many years at developing continuity in the process and having at least two of the three levels---- and hopefully all three-----singing from the same hymnbook have not been successful.
At the most recent CCA AGM a committee was struck to examine the entire selection process with a view to designing a more modern, harmonious, efficient system. The committee, which has player input, is to report by May, 2007.
I trust the above sheds some light on the process although, given the joys of selector-bashing, your posters will no doubt still prefer the heat generated by denigrating the one most visible around Toronto’s parks.
Errol Townshend
(Ontario Selector)
Canucks add a mentor to team (Faraz Sarwat in the Toronto Star) -- Posted Tuesday, December 19 2006
As the Canadian cricket team begins to shape into the unit that will be playing in the World Cup in March, eyebrows have been raised by the inclusion of a new bowler.
Forty-year-old Anderson Cummins will join the team for the January tour of Kenya, where Canada will play the hosts, as well as Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Bermuda.
At an age when cricket players are usually long retired, it would seem odd to be making a debut, but Cummins is no ordinary 40-year-old Canadian cricketer. He's got five Test matches and 63 one-day internationals (ODIs) behind him, all of them playing for the West Indies....
[Full story]
Geoff Barnett on cricket in Canada -- Posted Tuesday, December 19 2006
The Hawkes Bay Today paper in New Zealand recently talked to Canadian team member Geoff Barnett about cricket in Canada, Barnett has been in excellent form for Central districts and recely made fhis first century in New Zealnd first-class cricket.
"Mum was born in Canada and lived there for 16 years or so and I was just looking to go overseas for a working holiday. I decided to email a club over there and then I ended up getting an email from the Canadian Cricket Association, asking if I'd be able to play for the national team"
[Full story]
OCA names Winter Training Squad -- Posted Saturday, December 16 2006
The Ontario Cricket Association (OCA) has planned an exciting 2007 schedule in a bid to prepare the next generation of players to represent Canada.
Already confirmed are matches against a Guyana X1 (June 23) and two against PowerGen, Trinidad and Tobago’s champion club, (August 6 and 8).
In addition two Caribbean tours, showcasing players under 30, are in the planning stages for early May and mid-July. (The CCA also has a full schedule after the World Cup.)
“Many of the current Ontario players on our national team are nearing the end of their careers and we need to quickly raise the standard of the next generation so that Canada can maintain its status in the ICC High Performance program by re-qualifying at the 2009 World Cricket League (WCL) Division 1 tournament”, said Errol Townshend, OCA president.
Accordingly, the OCA has named a Winter Training Squad, with emphasis on young players who will form the basis of Canada’s teams as we move into 2007 and beyond.
The squad will be coached by former Jamaican spinner Wilbert Plummer, a graduate of the prestigious G.C. Foster College of Physical Education in Jamaica, and will have net practice twice weekly starting January 13/07 ( Sat 1-3pm, Tuesdays 6-8pm) at Qasra Sports Centre.
Players may be added or deleted from the squad based on attendance at practices or other factors.
OCA WINTER TRAINING SQUAD 2006/07
1. Mohammed Karim (H&D)
2. Azim Saad(H&D)
3. Vikram Arora (OVCC)*
4. Akber Hussain (OVCC)*
5. Pedro Depeiza (SOCA*
6. Inderjit Dhaliwal (SOCA)*
7. Richie Anand (SOCA)*
8. Pankaj Gupta (SOCA)*
9. Ganesh Badrie (EDCL)
10.Tony Mahabir (EDCL)
11.Varun Shaw(EDCL)
12.Jonathan Mahabir (EDCL)
(TDCA)
13. Hemnarine Chattergoon
14. Gavin Bastiampillai
15. Rustum Bhatti
16. Amit Backtiar
17. Kenneth Carto
18. Rizwan Cheema
19. Darius DeSouza
20. Harsh Desai
21. Kushal Gangopadhyay
22. Calvert Hooper
23. Don Ross Henry
24. Sachin Ibrahim
25. Eion Katchay
26. Abhishek Krisnamoorthy
27. Lakshan Liyanage
28. Asit Mangra
29. Andrew McLean
30. Fred Moody
31. Gangadeep Mann
32. Marc Marajh
33. Moshin Mulla
34. Jasjit Mangat
35. Shakir Muhammad
36. Chris Monahar
37. Pratik Patel
38. Bruce Patel
39. Herral Patel
40. Gaspar Prospere
41. Jason Patraj
42. RyazKhan Pathan
43. Arsalam Qadir
44. Hassan Raza
45. Balaji Rao
46. Mohammad Riaz
47. Naresh Roopnarine
48. Yasar Samad
49. Khurram Sheraz
50. Majid Usman
*Out-of-GTA players (except H&D) are not required to attend Toronto practices.
Cricket Manager: Errol Townshend; Training Camp Manager: Leroy Grey; Coach: Wilbert Plummer
Information source: 0CA
*Live* International Cricket – India vs. Pakistan -- Posted Friday, December 15 2006
A Press Conference at the Sports Alliance Centre, in Toronto, provided an update on 'The Legends of Cricket' event, with good media representation
The Festival of the "Legends of Cricket" is scheduled for the Rogers Centre, on Saturday, March 3, 2007
Ben Sennik, President, Canadian Cricket Association was present, as was the Team Manager for India, Mudan Lal, (via a tele-conference call from India).
Mr. Sennik stated that the event has the full support of the CCA and he is looking forward to a sell out crowd at the Rogers Centre. He went on to say that the event supports the development of cricket at all levels and that it brings a greater awareness of this ever growing sport to Toronto and Canada. Mr. Sennik also stated that "we should (the CCA) make it a point to be part of this event to show our support for Cricket in Canada".
Mr. Madan Lal stated that this match is being taken very seriously and that two well balanced teams are being brought to Toronto. Players of legendary stature like Ajay Jadeja and Venkatesh Prasad from India and Wasim Akram and Saeed Anwar from Pakistan are four of the greats who will be playing. Mr. Lal went on to say that both teams are very excited and are looking forward to being in Toronto on March 3rd at the Rogers Centre.
The Greater Toronto Area, with the largest South Asian population in Canada, is starved for LIVE International Cricket, and this will be the prefect opportunity for a chance to attend a live match between the All-Stars of India and Pakistan, ten days before the start of the World Cricket Cup.
The organisers encourage the cricket community to support this event, as this will help in the development of Cricket in Canada.
For further information contact Mr. Melvin John at 647-273-3919 or Azhar Hussain at 416-882-0329.
www.cricketfrenzy.com
Material sourced and edited from the press release for Legends of Cricket - Dated: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 (JH)
Earliest reference to the wicket -- Posted Friday, December 15 2006
In 1680 lines were written in an old bible "invite All you that do delight in Cricket, come to Marden, pitch your wickets."
Marden is in west Sussex, (England) north of Chichester, and interestingly close to Hambledon, which is just across the county boundary in Hampshire.
This is the earliest known reference to the wicket.
As is well known, the wicket until the 1770s comprised two stumps and a single bail. By that time, the shape of the wicket was high and narrow after the 1744 Laws of Cricket defined the dimensions as 22 inches high and six inches wide. But earlier 18th century pictures show a wicket that was low and broad, perhaps two feet wide by one foot high. The ends of the stumps were forked to support the light bail and there were criteria for the firmness of pitching the stumps into the ground and for the delicate placing of the bail so that it would easily topple when a stump was hit.
There has been a lot of conjecture about the origin of the wicket, but suffice to say that the 17th century outline shape is more akin to the profile of a church stool, which is low and broad. Furthermore, the legs of the stool were called stumps, which adds further credence to the idea that stools were used as early wickets. Interestingly, according to the Churchwarden’s Accounts for Great St. Mary’s Church of Cambridge (1504 – 1635), a church stool was sometimes known in the south-east by the Flemish name of “kreckett”, this being the same word used for the game by John Derrick in 1597.
Historical item sourced from:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_cricket_to_1696
Coaching for coaches -- Posted Thursday, December 14 2006
In partnership, the Canadian Sport Centre Ontario and the Coaches Association of Ontario, are pleased to announce the new 2007 Quest for Gold Enhanced Coaching Program.
After great success in 2006, we are excited to announce $1.2 million will be available to coaches and Provincial Sport Organizations to help support coaches in their
pursuit of coaching development. A detailed outline of all the programs available to coaches along with application forms can be found by visiting *www.coachesontario.ca/q4g*
{http://www.coachesontario.ca/q4g}.
Highlights include:
NCCP Level 2 Technical Bursary
NCCP Level 3 Technical Bursary
NCCP Level 3 Theory
NCI Tuition Bursary Enhanced Coaching
Bursary Ontario Coaches Conference
There are also a number of programs that will be made
directly available to Provincial Sport Organizations, which are also outlined on the website. We encourage you to visit
*www.coachesontario.ca/q4g* {http://www.coachesontario.ca/q4g}
as soon as possible to take advantage of the 2007 funding.
Yours in coaching,
Coaches Association of Ontario & Canadian Sport Centre
Ontario
Information sourced by C.M.
Postscript to the 2006 South African Tour -- Posted Wednesday, December 13 2006
Postscript to the South African Tour - Batting
I began to wonder if I had seen the successful aspect of Canada’s South African tour when Canada was 12 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the early going, and needed to make 272 runs to beat the Netherlands in the first One-Day International in Potchefstroom….and this was Canada’s first match of the tour! The memory of Canada 4 runs for 4 wickets against Zimbabwe in the first ODI of 2006 at Port-of-Spain (May 2006) may take some time to go away. And, on paper, this was a weaker squad!
The ‘success’ had come via the Netherlands and Bermuda drawing their ICC Intercontinental Cup match the previous week, so Canada qualified for the final.
Thankfully, the Canadian batsmen began to come through and significant progress was made. Hopefully this progress will continue on the road to World Cup 2007. Equally importantly for the future of Canadian cricket, the progress must go much beyond 2007. The progress reflects a lot of hardwork both physically and mentally by the players, their coach and the support staff. A squad of amateur players adopting professional approaches to their cricket:is a necessity for meeting the likes of England and New Zealand in St Lucia.
Earlier in 2006 there had been a major gap between the bowling and the batting efforts in the first five ODIs. Improvements with the bat first showed in the ICC Intercontinental Cup first-class match outright wins over Kenya and Bermuda. The last ODI in Toronto against Bermuda saw Canada make a challenge and pass the 200- and 250-run marks for the first time in 2006. Even so, the match was lost by 11 runs. Some may still be arguing about the omission of the regular opening bowlers (Henry Osinde and Umar Bhatti) from that match.
Canada’s Batting Improves
The Canadian squad on the recent tour lacked any overseas-based players and if the eleven who faced the Netherlands each matched their career best for ODI batting, Canada would make 214 runs off the bat. Only a proliferation of extras could bring victory. Indeed, none of the squad had scored an individual 50 in ODIs.
Possibly, the batting in the first Netherlands match may prove a turning point in Canadian cricket. The players, some still acclimatizing to the heat and altitude of the high veldt, battled away and ended up disappointed at a 17-run defeat. Ashish Bagai became the first squad member to reach 50 runs. Desmond Chumney looked set to join him, but was stumped for 48 going down the wicket, just after a request for a runner had been turned down. Chumney had batted well, as did Don Maxwell who made 59 runs before also being stumped.
Seven of the ten who batted in this opening game with the Dutch made their highest ODI scores. Chumney went on to equal or beat his previous ODI best of 28 runs in all four innings he played. I am certain that I am not alone in being disappointed as Chumney did not get past the fifty barrier, his overall effort playing sensible shots and punishing the bad ball deserved better. He worked hard from day 1.
Sandeep Jyoti battled through the opening bowling but began to suffer physically in the conditions in this opening match. He retired hurt on 24 runs and returned, with a runner, in the latter stages. His innings ended on 33 runs. I had seen him make a fine century in The Royal Cup 2006 where he showed ability to score runs quickly and well.
In the first game against Bermuda, Ashif Mulla made 30 runs in his second ODI; a promising start from which to build for the future. I am sure the coach will be working with Mulla on the ‘secnsible cricket/shot selection theme’ during the remainder of the winter training and playing program.
Bagai played a pivotal role in reaching 58 runs not out. He battled away in mid-innings during some better bowling from Bermuda and became the anchor batsman as the left-handed Sunil Dhaniram came out and played a fine innings of 63. This innings regained momentum for Canada and showed Dhaniram has the makings of a fine all-rounder at this level. In the past he has looked good but not lasted very long. He came into this trip with a previous best ODI score of 14 runs and made 19, 63, 20 and 0. So he is on the way and his 63 sets the standard to which he should strive.
Abdool Samad started to get going in this game with a knock of 21 runs. He had been out for a duck against the Dutch when Jyotti retired hurt. Samad went on to score 39 runs against Bermuda and 44 runs against the Dutch in the ODIs at Willowmoore Park, Benoni. He applied himself in the face of changing personal circumstances back home and looks a solid player for the future development of this team. (Abdool Samad is one of the Canadian players with a wife expecting a baby. News came that the birth was expected to be early. He flew home prior to the Intercontinental Cup match. Hopefully, all is going well for Abdool and his wife.
Captain George Codrington was used high up the order in the first couple of matches. He went into this series with the best average. His 46 not out in rallying the lower-order batting the Queen’s Park Oval in May was the previous pinnacle of this squad’s individual batting records. He made a useful 31 runs when back in his more normal position in the second match with the Dutch in Benoni.
Vice-captain Qaiser Ali soon suffered an injury in practice in Pretoria. He disappointed with the bat in his two ODIs but showed his batting potential with an innings of 174 runs in the Intercontinental Cup second innings against the Netherlands. He had made 34 runs in the first innings. Coach Pick regards Ali as ‘the best player of spin’ in the squad.
Umar Bhatti is emerging as an all-rounder at this level. He made a useful 15 not out batting late in the order in the opening ODI with the Dutch and his 22 not out against Bermuda in Benoni helped seal the win and bring home the bonus point. Bhatti then played a balanced innings of 83 not out in the Intercontinental Cup. He, like Dhaniram, bats left-handed and has potential to be used to break-up the line and length of opposition bowlers who might prefer bowling to a steady stream of right-handed batsmen.
Batting Challenge for the Future
The real challenge for Canadian cricket and the coaching infrastructure, such as it is, must be to try and bring ‘sensible cricket’ to league and inter-provincial cricket. The message Andy Pick has been trying to impart since day 1 was showing in this group of domestic cricketers in most of the four ODIs. There was some return to old ways in the second ODI with Bermuda – possibly attributable to the frequency with which these sides meet and almost the return of a ’collective spirit’ about trying to belt the cover off the ball too often.
Ashif Mulla came into the national team mix for the winter. He likes to play aggressively, as do the likes of Chumney and Maxwell. Hopefully, he will gain from the experience of working with this squad and the coach to become a better player.
What is then needed is for the successful national team players to go back to their club sides and pass on the message, preferably via the way they play and dominate local bowling attacks, and by word of mouth and encouragement to their team-mates.
Mike Procter (Match Referee for the Tri-Nations ODI Series) spoke of disappointment at the batsmen in the Tri-Nations Series not moving on from the 40-65 run range to make bigger scores. Along the way, I never asked him if he knew the previous personal bests of the Canadian batsmen.. The fifty barrier was broken solidly. It is time to press for the 100 mark. And I am certain that is a message coach Andy Pick would like to send to all leagues and associations across Canada. Most importantly, it needs to be the culture of future generations of Canadian cricketers.
Possibly the best comment came from Kevin Sandher. He was down to bat at number 11 and pointed out he never came to the crease. The ‘crime’ (my word, but former Australian captain and for many years TV personality Richie Benaud calls it something similar) of not using up allotted overs was overcome. Canada even gained a bonus point in the second match with Bermuda. There were two wins and there might have been two more against the Netherlands. Learn from the mistakes, don’t dwell on them, think of the positives and move forward positively.
Eddie Norfolk
Canada's ODI status -- Posted Wednesday, December 13 2006
During the dinner for the MCC in fall of 2005, at the Toronto Cricket Club, it was announced that the CCA would seek ODI status. It was not really an annoucement, but more like a liberty taken by an unelected representative of the Canadian Cricket Association, (who was, not for the first time, probably not authorized to raise the issue),
An examination of the International Cricket Council criteria for Associate Membership would suggest that the CCA proposal was somewhat premature.
ICC Criteria - Playing item 2 - states that:-
"There must be an established senior club competition in existence. Written records of competition over the preceeding 3 years will be required.".
(Senior club competition ..... hmmm .... methinks this would be a major logistical and financial problem.).
ICC Criteria - Playing item 3 - states that:-
"There must be an established junior competion (either club or school based) in existence. This competion should include a minimum of eight (8) junior teams. Written records of competition over the preceeding 3 years will be required.".
(Your correspondent cannot locate any records of "senior club competion" per se, and no record of "established junior competion" per se. One might be able to argue that this item would be, or could be, interpreted to mean the John Ross Robertson Trophy, (which is some kind of national club competition). Equally the senior and junior interprovincial tournaments might fill the bill, or perhaps the respective premier provincial club leagues could fill in the gap.)
ICC Criteria - Administration
In this dedicated segment it is stated that:-
"2. The applicant body must have a designated office incorporating - At least one Full Time Administrator (Secretary, Executive Officer, etc) or sufficient part time staff that the office is operational during working hours.".
"3. There must be a written National Development Plan approved by their Regional Development Manager.".
(Your correspondent is aware that the office of the Regional ICC Officer is used by the CCA. Therefore, this cannot be construed to be "a designated office" for the CCA. Similarly, there does not appear to be a "a written National Development Plan". Why not?)
Criteria - Finance
In this dedicated segment it is stated:-
"1.The applicant must provide audited annual accounts for the last three (3) years that have been presented to and accepted by the membership."
(Your correspondent is aware that an audited financial statement was accepted at the last Annual General Meeting. However it was not made available to the plebs, which, in and of itself, suggests that there are financial problems. Unless the plebs are trusted with information, they are likely to distrust the adminstration and therefore will withold their support. QED.).
ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL (ODI) STATUS
*Canada is an Associate Member of the ICC. As such, Canada is required to be in compliance with the following in order to apply for ODI status.).
Adminstration
1. The applicant must have a dedicated office incorporating:-
FullTime Chief Executive / Executive Officer - (none in place)
Full Time Secretary (yes)
Full Time Development/Operations Manager - (none in place)
Full Time National Coach (just a loaner for a limited time from the ECB)
2. The applicant must be able to demonstrate governmental recognition and support of cricket to facilitate the hosting of future ODI fixtures.
(This item is questionable - certainly the Ontario Cricket Association is recognized by the Government of Ontario - if the Government of Canada "has a recognition and support of cricket", why would they contact www.canadacricket.com requesting that the CCA sign on to the Government of Canada Anti-doping Policy in Sport?).
3. The applicant must either currently contract their national team players or be able to demonstrate that they will be able to do so upon granting of ODI status.
(Now this is a real humdinger, as there does not appear to be access to fund the very conservative estimate of $500,000 (cdn) per annum to have Canadain cricketers on the payroll, plus benefits, transportation, equipment, injury insurance ... et al)
Finance
1. The applicant must have audited annual accounts that have been presented to their membership for the last ten years. These accounts over the last five years must demonstrate a sound financial position.
(Ten years ... hmmm .... last two or three years at best!!!!!).
2. The applicant must have a Business Plan that demonstrates a sustainable commercial operation and signicant income streams other than the ICC in the future.
(hmmm somewhat problematic)
The economic viability of ODI status for Canada is already questionable at best. Estimated costs to maintain the requirements of the ICC, as specified above, must now be reaching into the seven figure range. Show me the money, or better yet the financials!!!
(compiled contents sourced from the ICC Operating Manual, with comments and opinion by Jon Harris).
Intercontinental Cup 2006 - who will play Canada -- Posted Wednesday, December 13 2006
With two games remaining in Group A of the ICC , just who will play Canada in the final remains to be seen.
Last place ICC Intercontinental Cup final still up for grabs.
Namibia outplay UAE in Windhoek; Netherlands’ victory over Canada is not enough.
With two games remaining in Group A of the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006, just who will play Canada in the final remains to be seen.
Scotland is in the driving seat and an outright victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah next month will see the 2005 champions through to its second final in three years.
But this competition has had a habit of springing some surprises in its short history and if Craig Wright’s team does not collect all 20 points from that game, defending champions Ireland could well book its place in the final.
Should Scotland stumble and Ireland beat the UAE, then it will join Canada in the final to be played in the first half of next year.
And despite losing to Namibia in Windhoek last week, the UAE can still get through if it beat both Scotland and Ireland at home early next year.
The UAE will have to regroup, however, after what was a disappointing defeat away to the Namibians. Dismissed for just 96 in the first innings, the UAE then had to watch its opponents compile 428 in reply. Louis Burger (120) and Tobias Verwey (114) were on top form for the home side.
Then Louis Klazinga ran through the UAE for a second time as it made just 183 and did not make Namibia bat again in the match. The performance of number seven batsman Kashif Khan was a bright spot for the Emirates and he sped to 95 off just 67 balls (10 fours, six sixes). But Klazinga had the last laugh, getting Kashif out caught by Gerrie Snyman just five short of what would have been his maiden first-class century.
Klazinga ended the match with outstanding figures of 16-7-32-8, having taken 3-12 in the first innings and 5-20 in the second.
Meanwhile, in the other ICC Intercontinental Cup match of the week, the Netherlands got the better of Canada in Pretoria, South Africa, but still only managed to finish second in Group B.
Two good wins earlier in the tournament were enough for Canada to have been safely atop the group by the time it faced off against the Dutch.
And maybe there was a bit of complacency as Canada went out to bat in the first innings, as it fell for just 103 with Ryan ten Doeschate taking 6-20 for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands made 409 in reply with ten Doeschate breaking several records on the way to a mammoth 259 runs.
It is the highest individual score in the three-year history of the event and means that he has now scored a record total of 739 runs in this competition at an average of 184.75. He is also leading the Dutch ICC Intercontinental Cup bowling averages this year with 14 wickets at an average of 20.92.
After the disappointment of the first innings, Canada made amends second time around by making 485 and setting the Netherlands a tricky target of 179 to win. Qaiser Ali top scored with 174 and he was ably assisted by Umar Bhatti (83 not out) and Don Maxwell (72).
It set up an interesting fourth innings but the Dutchmen showed they were up to the challenge. Tom de Grooth did most of the damage with 82 while Bas Zuiderent chipped in with 42 and ten Doeschate came in towards the end with an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls to see the side to a seven-wicket victory with a day to spare.
Recent results:
At Windhoek, Namibia:
UAE 96 (Ali Asad 24; L Klazinga 3-12, G Snyman 2-13, L Burger 2-20) and 183 (Kashif Khan 95; L Klazinga 5-20)
Namibia 428 (L Burger 120, T Verwey 114, G Snyman 66; Waseem Bari 5-130)
Namibia (20 points) beat UAE (0 points) by an innings and 149 runs
At Sinovich (Pretoria), South Africa:
Canada 103 (Qaiser Ali 34; R ten Doeschate 6-20, Muhammed Kashif 4-39) and 485 (Qaiser Ali 174, D Maxwell 72, U Bhatti 83*; D van Bunge 4-163)
Netherlands 409 (R ten Doeschate 259, P Borren 49; S Dhaniram 3-58) and 181 for 3 (T de Grooth 82, B Zuiderent 42)
Netherlands (20 points) beat Canada (0 points) by seven wickets
ICC Intercontinental Cup
Group A
Team Pld WO WI D LI LO Pts
Scotland 2 1 - 1 - - 29
Ireland 2 1 - 1 - - 23
Namibia 3 1 - 1 - 2 20
UAE 1 - - - - 1 0
Group B
Team Pld WO WI D LI LO Pts
Canada 3 2 - - - 1 40
Netherlands 3 1 1 - 1 - 26
Kenya 3 - - 1 1 1 9
Bermuda 3 - 1 1 - 1 9
Remaining fixtures:
11-14 January, United Arab Emirates v Scotland, Sharjah
10-13 January, United Arab Emirates v Ireland, Abu Dhabi
Final, to be confirmed
For full scorecards, match reports and more information on the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006, go to http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/events/intercontinental/
Report sourced from:-
ICC MEDIA RELEASE Dubai, 10 December 2006
-- Posted Tuesday, December 12 2006
"Legends of Cricket" Festival -- Posted Monday, December 11 2006
The "Legends of Cricket" Festival, India and Pakistan All-Star Invitational game, is scheduled for March 3 2007, in support of the Canadian Cricket Association and the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
This festival is attributed to support the development of cricket in Canada, for all ages and genders, as well to promote healthy lifestyles.
This event brings world-class live cricket to Toronto timed one week prior to the World Cricket Cup 2007.
The match will be played in Rogers SkyDome in Toronto, and it is anticipated to be covered by the international media.
Tickets are on sale at:-
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Legendsofcricket
The price for a ticket is $65.00cdn, plus $12.00cdn for express postage delivery. What is not stated on the promotional material, is whether GST and PST has been included in the cost of the tickets.
Information sourced from:- http://www.cricketfrenzy.com/
(Jon Harris)
Intercontinental Cup final still up for grabs -- Posted Monday, December 11 2006
With two games remaining in Group A of the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006, just who will play Canada in the final remains to be seen.
Scotland is in the driving seat and an outright victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sharjah next month will see the 2005 champions through to its second final in three years.
But this competition has had a habit of springing some surprises in its short history and if Craig Wright’s team does not collect all 20 points from that game, defending champions Ireland could well book its place in the final.
Should Scotland stumble and Ireland beat the UAE, then it will join Canada in the final to be played in the first half of next year.
Despite losing to Namibia in Windhoek last week, the UAE can still get through if it beat both Scotland and Ireland at home early next year.
The UAE will have to regroup, however, after what was a disappointing defeat away to the Namibians. Dismissed for just 96 in the first innings, the UAE then had to watch its opponents compile 428 in reply. Louis Burger (120) and Tobias Verwey (114) were on top form for the home side.
Then Louis Klazinga ran through the UAE for a second time as it made just 183 and did not make Namibia bat again in the match. The performance of number seven batsman Kashif Khan was a bright spot for the Emirates and he sped to 95 off just 67 balls (10 fours, six sixes). But Klazinga had the last laugh, getting Kashif out caught by Gerrie Snyman just five short of what would have been his maiden first-class century.
Klazinga ended the match with outstanding figures of 16-7-32-8, having taken 3-12 in the first innings and 5-20 in the second.
Meanwhile, in the other ICC Intercontinental Cup match, the Netherlands got the better of Canada in Pretoria, South Africa, but still only managed to finish second in Group B.
Two good wins earlier in the tournament were enough for Canada to have been safely atop the group by the time it faced off against the Dutch.
And maybe there was a bit of complacency as Canada went out to bat in the first innings, as it fell for just 103 with Ryan ten Doeschate taking 6-20 for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands made 409 in reply with ten Doeschate breaking several records on the way to a mammoth 259 runs. It is the highest individual score in the three-year history of the event and means that he has now scored a record total of 739 runs in this competition at an average of 184.75. He is also leading the Dutch ICC Intercontinental Cup bowling averages this year with 14 wickets at an average of 20.92.
After the disappointment of the first innings, Canada made amends second time around by making 485 and setting the Netherlands a tricky target of 179 to win. Qaiser Ali top scored with 174 and he was ably assisted by Umar Bhatti (83 not out) and Don Maxwell (72).
It set up an interesting fourth innings but the Dutchmen showed they were up to the challenge. Tom de Grooth did most of the damage with 82 while Bas Zuiderent chipped in with 42 and ten Doeschate came in towards the end with an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls to see the side to a seven-wicket victory with a day to spare.
Recent results:
At Windhoek, Namibia: UAE 96 (Ali Asad 24; L Klazinga 3-12, G Snyman 2-13, L Burger 2-20) and 183 (Kashif Khan 95; L Klazinga 5-20)
Namibia 428 (L Burger 120, T Verwey 114, G Snyman 66; Waseem Bari 5-130)
Namibia (20 points) beat UAE (0 points) by an innings and 149 runs
At Sinovich (Pretoria), South Africa: Canada 103 (Qaiser Ali 34; R ten Doeschate 6-20, Muhammed Kashif 4-39) and 485 (Qaiser Ali 174, D Maxwell 72, U Bhatti 83*; D van Bunge 4-163)
Netherlands 409 (R ten Doeschate 259, P Borren 49; S Dhaniram 3-58) and 181 for 3 (T de Grooth 82, B Zuiderent 42)
Netherlands (20 points) beat Canada (0 points) by seven wickets
ICC Intercontinental Cup
Group A
Remaining fixtures:
11-14 January, United Arab Emirates v Scotland, Sharjah
10-13 January, United Arab Emirates v Ireland, Abu Dhabi
Final, to be confirmed
For full scorecards, match reports and more information on the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006, go to http://www.icc-cricket.com/icc/events/intercontinental/
Report sourced from:-
ICC MEDIA RELEASE Dubai, 10 December 2006
Canada’s Captain talks -- Posted Sunday, December 10 2006
All-rounder George Codrington was the captain of Canada for the first time on the tour to South Africa. Speaking, as the side traveled back to Pretoria, he said “The trip is going pretty well. The guys have worked really hard in the last couple of days and have shown great commitment to get acclimatized in about four days and play two pretty solid games.”
The trip from Toronto via London, England, was a long one, with many hours spent at Heathrow Airport. After arriving on Wednesday the team were soon undergoing fitness workouts around the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre grounds. Indeed, the squad was soon in the nets after the trip from Potchefstroom, about two and a half hours south of Pretoria.
Codrington was clearly disappointed that the hard work had not paid off with a win over the Netherlands. “Extras could be seen as a source of defeat. If we could have cut the number of extras in half that would have made the (winning) total lower.” He also mentioned a couple of dropped catches, one that allowed young Alexei Kervezee to keep the Dutch innings going in the final 7-8 overs. ”However, our commitment and thought processes were good.”
He was “pretty happy” that the win over Bermuda meant the side had given “solid back-to-back performances. If we keep doing this we will have more success.” He certainly was optimistic. “I think once we put the next 2-3 games together with the same effort, we will go into the World Cricket League with a bit of confidence. As long as we stay consistent, we’ll be OK.”
The Canadian squad went into this series without their overseas-based batting strength and Codrington held the individual highest ODI score of the squad with 45 not out. After two ODI’s there are now a number of players who have passed the 50 mark. Others came close and probably should have broken that mark, but there was a positive feel around the squad. Some, but not all, of the runs came from Canadian participants in the recent ICC Winter Training Camp. Ashish Bagai hit 50 in consecutive matches, and Sunil Dhaniram put in a stellar performance to push his side towards victory over Bermuda. Don Maxwell and Desmond Chumney did well with the bat, showing the shot selection against the Netherlands that coach Andy Pick has sought since his first match in May against Zimbabwe.
“It is always encouraging to see personal bests,” said Codrington. “If we keep going that route, we can only improve as a team and our performances will be a lot more consistent.”
Eddie Norfolk
Governal General cricketer -- Posted Sunday, December 10 2006
Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond and Lennox KG (born 9 December 1764 – August 28, 1819) was a British soldier and politician and Governor General of British North America.
Lennox was a keen cricketer. He was an accomplished right-hand bat and a noted wicket-keeper. He was a founder member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.
In 1786, together with the Earl of Winchilsea, Lennox offered Thomas Lord a guarantee against any losses Lord might suffer on starting a new cricket ground. This led to Lord opening his first cricket ground in 1787. Although Lord's Cricket Ground has since moved twice, Lennox' and Winchilsea's guarantee provided the genesis of the best-known cricket ground in the world, a ground known as the Home of Cricket.
Nearly always listed as the Hon. Colonel Charles Lennox in contemporary scorecards, Lennox had 55 recorded first-class appearances from 1784 to 1800 and played a few more games after that.
He was born at Gordon Castle, near Thirsk, Scotland and died near Perth, Ontario, Canada.
In 1818 he was appointed Governor General of Upper Canada. While visiting the territory in 1819, he was bitten by a pet fox, and died of rabies on August 28 of that year.
Material sourced from:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lennox,_4th_Duke_of_Richmond#Cricket
Tri-Series post mortem -- Posted Saturday, December 9 2006
The three way series against fellow world-Cup qualifiers Bermuda and the Netherlands was an important part of Canada’s World Cup build up and a chance for those on the margins to skate a claim for selection. It was also a chance to reverse a miserable sequence of one-day international defeats that stretched back to 2003. Canada were without the experience and class of their antipodean players, captain Davison, Billcliff and Barnett, all with commitments at home. George Codrington was asked to take over the team, and one lesson that was learned on the trip is that George is a good captain. In terms of results the tournament was a modest success, with two wins over Bermuda, and two losses to the Dutch. However in both losses Canada found much to be positive about, especially in their final game, where they took the Netherlands to the final over in a thrilling game.
Canada travelled with a small squad of thirteen and chose to rotate players, ensuring all had at least two games, and most three or four. The batting in general was much better than in the poor performances over the summer. Asish Bagai had been in great form in the ICC Training camp, and continued on, making two half-centuries and cementing his spot in the Canadian team as first-choice keeper. His steady methods held the innings together when quick wickets were lost. The top run-scorer was Desmond Chumney, with 158. He made a significant contribution with the bat in all four games without ever reaching a big score, but answered the critics who felt his age and past record should count against him. Don Maxwell returned an impressive average of 100, thanks to two not-outs in three innings, but his lack of success with the ball may not help him gain selection as a hard-hitting all-rounder. Dhaniram played one match winning innings, and as perhaps the best of the bowlers should now be considered the first choice all rounder. Samad played well in the upper order, again taking advantage of the match practice gained with the ICC Training Camp. Jyoti only played twice, due to injury, and had one decent innings. Mulla made 50 runs in three innings, and Qaser Ali 13 in two- neither significantly advanced their case.
As already stated Dhaniram bowled very well, joint top-wicket taker at an economy rate of under four. The other front-line spinner, Sandher also performed well, often being asked to bowl at the death. The opening pair, Bhatti and Osinde were always threatening, Osinde more likely to take wickets, Bhatti the most economical of all the bowlers. Osinde tended to lack direction, conceding too any extras, but his ability to take top-order wickets was invaluable. Thuraisingam played only twice but as always looked good, bowling economically, and taking wickets.
George Codrington had an excellent series, as captain and bowler, and also making important contributions with the bat. He turned 40 in the course of this series, and perhaps will be considered too old for the World Cup squad by many; however his performances speak for themselves.
Based on this series, Canada’s World Cup side will tend to be middle aged, or elderly in cricketing terms. If Chumney (aged 38) can continue his good form he will be in consideration for a batting spot, Dhaniram (also 38) must surely be a certainty, and John Davison is also in his late thirties. Canada’s bowling looks as though apart from Osinde and Bhatti, it will rely on spin, with Codrington taking the third seamer’s spot. A possible World Cup starting XI based on current form might be
Davison, Barnett, Chumney, Samad, Bagai, Billcliff, Dhaniram, Codrington, Bhatti, Sandher, Osinde
However there’s still time for other players to demonstrate their abilities, with the ICC World Cricket League Division 1 (Canada, Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Kenya) scheduled for Kenya in January. Jyoti, Qaser Ali and Mulla will need to play well to show they belong with the team. Thuraisingam would be a solid squad member for wickets that don’t favour spin in place of Sandher. Others in with a chance are Steve Welch, who may play against Netherlands in the four-day match, Haninder Dhillon from BC, and the former Test players Dassanayake and Anderson Cummins.
World Cricket League, 2006-07 -- Posted Saturday, December 9 2006
Kenya host associates for pre-World Cup tournament
The much anticipated 2007 World Cup is just around the corner but, before the Caribbean welcomes the world's players, Kenya are the hosts for a tournament no less significant for those participating: the World Cricket League (WCL).
The tournament, comprising teams from Canada, Netherlands, Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland and Kenya, begins on January 30 with the final on February 7. In what is a vital warm-up for the six associate members before the World Cup they are also playing for an added financial incentive; the two finalists will qualify for next September's inaugural Twenty20 World Championship and receive $250,000.
It will be staged at three grounds: Nairobi Gymkhana, Nairobi Jaffreys and Ruaraka in the Kenyan capital.
"[The] ICC match referee Mike Proctor inspected all the grounds in June and made recommendations on what needed to be done," said Tom Tikolo, chief executive of Cricket Kenya. "We are improving the scoreboards, outfields, pavilions, changing rooms and showers."
News item sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/kenya/content/story/270354.html
SCHEDULE
January 2007
Tue 30
1st Match - Canada V Netherlands Venue TBC
2nd Match - Ireland v Scotland Venue TBC
3rd Match - Kenya v Bermuda Venue TBC
Wed 31
4th Match - Bermuda v Ireland Venue TBC
5th Match - Canada v Scotland Venue TBC
6th Match - Kenya v Netherlands Venue TBC
February 2007
Fri 2
7th Match - Bermuda v Canada Venue TBC
Fri 2
8th Match - Kenya v Ireland Venue TBC
Fri 2
9th Match - Netherlands v Scotland Venue TBC
Sun 4
10th Match - Bermuda v Netherlands Venue TBC
Sun 4
11th Match - Canada v Ireland Venue TBC
Sun 4
12th Match - Kenya v Scotland Venue TBC
Mon 5
13th Match - Bermuda v Scotland Venue TBC
Mon 5
14th Match - Ireland v Netherlands Venue TBC
Mon 5
15th Match - Kenya v Canada Venue TBC
Wed 7 Final - TBC v TBC Venue TBC
Schedule transcribed from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/kenya/content/series/266603.html?template=schedule
Cricket and the Meaning of Life -- Posted Friday, December 8 2006
The 'documentary film' Cricket...and the Meaning of Life explores identity, nationalism, race and a sport rich with history through the eyes of filmmaker Sanjay Talreja. Filmed in Toronto, Trinidad and India, this unique documentary artfully blends archival photographs and vintage telecasts with the words of a mesmerizing orator whose deep tones express the passion of the game and its deep connection to human values.
Like most boys in his native city of Bombay, Talreja's childhood was filled with cricket. Once the domain of elite colonials, it became a way of life practically all throughout the British Commonwealth ... except in Canada. As an adult, Talreja struggled to adapt when he moved to Toronto. He wondered if he would have to erase his past if he wanted to 'belong' to his new country.
One day, a surprise encounter rekindles a long-buried memory and changes everything. He discovers a thriving, yet underground, community of South Asian and Caribbean cricket players in the city.
He meets coach Brian Hale, who does more than teach the rules of the game. He motivates and mentors young cricketers as they transform from boys into men, some of them from immigrants into Canadians. Hale and his team leave on a life-changing tour to Trinidad. Riyaz, the 17-year-old captain whose zeal for the game makes him determined to win against the odds, is a second-generation Canadian, who is convinced that one day cricket will be a Canadian game. Meanwhile, the youngest player, a cricket prodigy Nitish, embodies the bold new spirit of young South Asian Canadians. Cricket provides him a future he can truly call his own.
By tapping into this vitality, Talreja finds that cricket is a sport crucial to the identity of many new Canadians, and helps to rekindle his passion for the game in his new country.
In countries like India and Trinidad, the passion for cricket is just as strong as the love of hockey in Canada-maybe even stronger. It is the most watched and best loved sport in many Caribbean and South Asian countries. Cricket is a way of life-and many young boys dream of playing for the national team. Cricket and the Meaning of Life explores the power and meaning of a game that is more than just a sport.
Cricket and the Meaning of Life is directed and narrated by Sanjay Talreja and produced by Gerry Flahive. It is a winner of the National Film Board of Canada Reel Diversity Competition, made in association with CBC Television and CBC Newsworld. The CBC Newsworld broadcast is a world television premiere and the film was recently nominated for a 2006 Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival for "Best Multicultural Program".
The film was recently given a half page review by Ajit Jain in the Toronto edition of the newspaper INDIA ABROAD.
Sanjay Talreja is a Professor at the University Of Windsor, Ontario
The DVD is available, for a very modest fee, ($10?) from the National Film Board of Canada Sales and Customer Service (D-10) P.O. Box 6100 Station Centre-ville Montreal, QC H3C 3H5 1-800-267-7710
Canada versus Netherlands -- Posted Friday, December 8 2006
Scoring Summary from Sinoville CC, Sinoville, Pretoria, South Africa
ICC Intercontinental Cup
Canada 103 all out (36.2 overs; Qaiser Ali 34 runs, Ryan ten Doeschate 6 wickets for 20 runs, Muhammad Kashif 4 wickets for 39 runs) and 485 all out (111.1 overs; Qaiser Ali 174 runs, Umar Bhatti 87 runs not out,Don Maxwell 72 runs, Ashish Bagai 57 runs, Daan van Bunge 4 wickets for 164 runs, Ryan ten Doeschate 3 wickets for 92 runs)
The Netherlands 408 runs all out (Ryan ten Doeschate 259 runs not out, Peter Borren 49 runs, Eric Swarczynski 42 runs, Sunil Dhaniram 3 wickets for 58 runs) and 181 runs for 3 wickets (Tom de Grooth 82 runs, Bas Zuiderent 41 runs.
The Netherlands won by 7 wickets and take 20 points. Canada had already won Group B to qualify for the final of the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
Report
Canadian captain Qaiser Ali set a new Canadian individual first-class scoring record of 174 runs, helping his team to a amass 485 runs in their second innings. However, this proved insufficient to prevent the Netherlands from winning the match, following Canada's weak performance with the bat in their first innings.
The Dutch made 181 runs for the loss of three wickets in their second innings. An opening partnership of 122 runs between Tom de Grooth, who made 82 runs (113 balls, 11x4, 1x6) and Bas Zuiderent, who made 41 runs (69 balls, 6x4) set their path to a victory. Ryan ten Doeschate came in to score a quick 31 runs not out to end the game without the need for a fourth day.
The morning belonged to Canada as Ali and Don Maxwell took their partnership to 184 runs, before Maxwell was caught near the boundry fo 72 runs. His dismissal was disappointing as he had played a disciplined innings over 125 balls, including 8x4.It came some 20 minutes before the lunch interval.
Soon after lunch, skipper Ali's knock of 174 came to an end, caught at second slip to the first delivery of the new ball. Ten Doeschate was the bowler.His record score for a Canadian eclipsed the previous record set by John Davison against Bermuda in August 2006.
Umar Bhatti proved a tower of strenght in the late order batting and was 83 not out when the last wicket fell. This was a personal best in first class cricket after his 50 against Bermuda in August. Bhatti made his runs off 132 balls, with 8x4 and 1x6.
Canada had already won this qualifying group, thanks to outright wins over Bermuda and Kenya. The Dutch had previously drawn with both Kenya and Bermuda.
Canada will take heart from several solid performances with the bat in their second innings, with a minimum of risky shots from the likes of Ali, Bhatti, Maxwell and Ashish Bagai.
Eddie Norfolk
Pretoria, South Africa
Canada trails the Netherlands -- Posted Thursday, December 7 2006
Cricket (Updated report): Canada trails the Netherlands by 107 runs in ten Doeschate show
Scoring Summary from Sinnoville CC, Sinnoville, Pretoria, South Africa
Canada 103 all out (36.2 overs; Qaiser Ali 34 runs, Ryan ten Doeschate 6 wickets for 20 runs, Muhammad Kashif 4 wickets for 39 runs) and 194 runs for 5 wickets (Qaiser Ali 76 runs not out, Ashish Bagai 57 runs).
The Netherlands 408 runs all out (Ryan ten Doeschate 259 runs not out, Peter Borren 49 runs, Eric Swarczynski 42 runs, Sunil Dhaniram 3 wickets for 58 runs).
Canada resumes their second innings on Thursday (3rd of 4 scheduled days) needing 107 runs to ensure the Netherlands bat again.
Report
Ryan ten Doeschate's dominance in the ICC Intercontinental Cup match with Canada continued on the second day as he reached 259 runs not out in the Netherlands total of 408 runs all out. This gave the Dutch a commanding lead of 307 runs on first innings. Canada, in their second innings, were 194 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, and need to score 107 runs more to avoid an innings defeat. Qaiser Ali was 76 not out at the close of play on day 2.
Ten Doeschate's score is a new competition record for the ICC Intercontinental Cup. It beats the 247 not out scored against the Netherlands by David Hemp (Bermuda) less than two weeks ago. ten Doeschate faced 314 balls, hitting 28 4's and 5 x 6's. He was the beneficiary of a dropped catch when on 94.
In the two previous group matches this year, ten Doeschate scored 158 runs not out versus Kenya, and a century in each innings (138 runs and 100 runs) versus Bermuda only two weeks ago.
His overnight partnership with Peter Borren ended, when Borren was out leg-before wicket to Sunil Dhaniram for 49 runs. Canada's bowlers failed to remove the later batsmen quickly and there were useful stands for the Dutch as ten Doeschate was able to flourish. There were stands of 40 runs for the eighth wicket (with Jereon Smits) , 65 runs for the ninth (with Mark Jonkman) and even 33 runs for the tenth wicket (with Muhammad Kashif).
Canada lost two second innings wickets for 55 runs. A stand between Ashish Bagai and Ali began to turn the tide, and going into the tea interval, the Dutch fielders were very quiet, as I remarked to one of the spectators. After the break, spirits were restored in the Dutch camp and numerous appeals for leg-before wicket (lbw) ensued, including four in the same over from Borren to Bagai. Soon after, Bagai was ruled lbw when fairly well down the wicket. This could prove a turning point in the match as he was going well for his 57 runs (64 balls, 8x4).
Bagai and Ali had added 88 runs for the third wicket, one catching chance being missed from a sweep by Ali with the total on 100 runs.
A mini-collapse ensued with Ashif Mulla lbw to Borren for 3 runs, and Dhaniram dancing down the wicket, bowled for 1 by leg-spinner Daan van Bunge. Don Maxwell was 12 not out at close of play. Ali's 76 not out has been made off 87 balls and includes twelve 4's.
Canada's hope would be to bat all the third day (Thursday), and hopefully into the fourh day when the wicket might favour the bowlers. The hope would be to have a lead and bowl the Dutch out cheaply. Fortunately, from a Canadian perspective, the team has already qualified as group winners due to maximum point wins over Kenya and Bermuda.
Eddie Norfolk
Pretoria, South Africa
1979 and all that -- Posted Thursday, December 7 2006
The 1970s: Glam rock and T-Rex, the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher, Tudor Crisps and Quosh cordial, cricket and Canada.
Most remembered with fondness, some with fear and the latter pairing, well, probably not at all.
The decade that fashion forgot was also a time when Canadian cricket enjoyed unprecedented success, although it was something, both now and then, that would have slipped the mind of many.
It all began in 1975, when a provincial side beat a strong Australia touring party.
Four years later, Canada took another giant leap forward by qualifying for the World Cup at the first time of asking.
For a country more renowned for its ice hockey excellence, making the World Cup could have been compared to Cheryl Ladd joining 70s TV heroines Charlie's Angels - a surprise, but welcomed in many circles.
But unlike Ms Ladd, Canada's entry into the big-time began with more of a whimper than a bang.
Canada, mostly made up of players who had emigrated from the West Indies, were drawn against England, Pakistan and Australia in the group stages.
First up were Pakistan, a team they played their best cricket against.
Canada donned the pads against the third favourites, who had the likes of Imran Khan, Safraz Nawaz and Majid Khan in attack.
The Canadians were intent on making themselves hard to beat.
Openers Chris Chappell and Glenroy Sealy made a 54 partnership, before Chappell (no relation to the famous Australian brothers) fell for 14.
It was a dream start for the minnows.
Up stepped Franklyn Dennis to the crease, a man with a perm only rivalled by captain Brian Mauricette and England's speed merchant Bob Willis.
Sealy managed to make 45 before he was caught and bowled by Asif Iqbal with the scores at 85-2.
Dennis went on to make 25, falling just as Canada reached their ton.
Unfortunately, things turned pear-shaped soon after with the North Americans losing the next six wickets for 36 runs before the end of the innings.
It did not take long for the West Indies to reach 140, and they did so with the loss of just two wickets.
Next up were home side England. With Ian Botham, Chris Old and Willis spearheading the attack, the visitors knew they were in for a rough time. But they probably never envisaged being dismissed for just 45.
Dennis managed to score 21 runs of that meagre total - the only player to make double figures.
In total, Canada scored 284 runs from their three matches, at an average of just over 90 runs. To say they were outclassed, was an understatement.
Finally, came the might of Australia.
With the Canadians effectively out of the World Cup, pride was the only thing left to salvage.
They did that to some extent by making more than a century against the tough opposition.
However, the Australians lost just three wickets before Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop guided the side past the 105-run mark set for victory.
So by the end of Canada's campaign, the statistics read: Played 3, Won 0, Lost 3.
They might not have won a game, but at least the world found out that North Americans did know something about cricket.
Archive material sourced from::-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport3/cwc2003/hi/newsid_2330000/newsid_2339900/2339977.stm
Editors comment:-
The reference to "when a provincial side beat a strong Australia touring party. in 1975" resonates, as I was at the match and the all night party entertaining the visitors, prior to the match. The tourists had flown from Vancouver, where they had played a game, and were received at the TCS&CC. One of the members, whose home is on the easterly boundary of the cricket field invited the tourists to a garden party, which was still underway at the time that the umpires were waiting for both captains to toss for innings the following morning. Now there is another story.
One member of the 'provincial side', still involved in Canadian cricket, is Brian Hale, Director of the Toronto Cricket Academy, who coached Ashish Bagai before he graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an M.B.A.
For those who might be interested, my cricket in Canada dates from 1963. (Jon Harris).
Doeschate’s Golden Day hits Canada -- Posted Wednesday, December 6 2006
Cricket: Ten Doeschate’s Golden Day hits Canada
Scoring Summary from Sinnoville, Pretoria, South Africa
Canada 103 all out (36.2 overs; Qaiser Ali 34 runs, Ryan ten Doeschate 6 wickets for 20 runs, Muhammad Kashif 4 wickets for 39 runs)
The Netherlands 239 runs for 6 wickets (Ryan ten Doeschate 135 runs not out, Eric Swarczynski 42 runs, Peter Borren 41 runs not out)
The Netherlands resume their first innings on Wednesday (2nd of 4 scheduled days) with a lead of 136 runs and eight wickets in hand.
Report
Ryan ten Doeschate had a field day for the Netherlands against Canada in Sinnoville, taking 6 wickets for 20 runs and following up with 135 runs not out. The Dutch lead this Intercontinental Cup match by 136 runs thanks to ten Doeschate and also a hat-trick by off-spinner Muhammad Kashif.
Ten Doeschate has scored four consecutive centuries in this year’s ICC Intercontinental Cup, on in Kenya, two in Pretoria against Bermuda and this one.
There was a remarkable collapse around the lunch interval. Ashish Bagai and Qaiser Ali seemed to have restored order after the loss of two early wickets. Their stand of 44 for the third wicket ended with Ali caught by Daan van Bunge off Kashif’s bowling for 34 runs (2x4). Ali was captain for the first time after George Codrington returned home for work reasons. He won the toss and elected to bat.
It seemed the wicket might be easing as Bagai and Ali batted sensibly, but soon after Ali was out for 44 runs (76 runs for 3 wickets) came a burst of six wickets in eight balls. Kashif bowled Ashif Mulla for 6 (his score being an opening ball six) on the third ball of the 30th over. Sunil Dhaniram was caught next ball and lunch was taken with Canada on 84 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
Kashif jubilantly celebrated as Dutch captain Jereon Smits caught Don Maxwell with the first ball after lunch.
Bagai’s patient innings ended with the first ball from ten Doeschate after lunch with Bagai out leg-before wicket (lbw). Steve Welsh, who had traveled from Vancouver as a replacement player, was judged lbw to the next ball on his first-class debut. Kevin Sandher, whose batting had not been needed in four ODIs, evaded the hat-trick ball but was bowled by ten Doeschate with the next ball.
Henry Osinde drove two sixes but was last man out for 15 runs, bowled by ten Doeschate. Six Canadian batsmen were out facing less than ten balls in a total of 103..
Batting hero after bowling success
Osinde soon trapped Bas Zuiderent lbw with the total on 8 runs, and Canadian hopes rose. The next success did not come until Zuiderent and ten Doeschate had gained their team 6 points for first innings lead. Indeed, this second wicket stand of 110 was more than Canada’s total.
Daan van Bunge was out for 7 runs when the score reached 130 runs. The Dutch tottered in losing 3 wickets while adding 8 runs around the 150 run mark. Peter Borren arrived at the crease to find several close-fielders, but he played sensibly and ten Doeschate lead the charge. He had a life on 94 and survived a confident lbw appeal off Sandeep Jyotti on 96, and then drove Jyotti for 4 to bring up 100 runs.
There were a few gift runs as some of the fielders made errors late in the day. Borren played a fine supporting role, ending the day on 41 runs not out. (including6x4). He will resume a partnership with ten Doeschate on Wednesday morning that has already added 80 runs for the seventh wicket. At the close, ten Doeschate’s 135 runs included 18x4 and 1x6. He was clearly the dominant player of the day.
Bus Problems on the way to the game…..an omen?
It was ‘a disappointing day’ for Canada, said coach Andy Pick. Indeed, the team had troubles even before reaching the ground as steam began to rise from the front of the bus and soon radiator fluid flowed down one side of the bus. A quick exit was made and a replacement bus was summoned.
Pick ruefully pondered that ‘If we could have got tendo (ten Doeschate) out cheap, we might have been batting again today. Six wickets and 135 not out says it all on a day of 340 runs and 16 wickets.”
Pick was clearly disappointed that Canada had not batted solidly but hoped for early breakthroughs and a fight-back on the second day.
Eddie Norfolk.
Netherlands v Canada, Intercontinental Cup, Pretoria
ten Doeschate leads with all-round show
Cricinfo staff
December 5, 2006
Netherlands 239 for 6 (ten Doeschate 135*, Borren 41*, Olinde 3-39) lead Canada 103 (ten Doeschate 6-20, Mohammad Kashif 4-39)by 136 runs
It was very much Ryan ten Doeschate's day as the Netherlands established a commanding position after day one of their ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Canada in Pretoria. ten Doeschate took a career-best 6 for 20 as Canada were routed for 103 in only 36.2 overs before backing that up with another flamboyant century.
The other notable feature of the innings was a hat-trick for the young left-arm spinner Mohammad Kashif, who finished with 4 for 39 in only his third first-class match. Canada had been handily placed on 76 for 2 before Kashif wrecked the middle order. They never recovered as ten Doeschate added the tail to his three top-order wickets with the new ball.
ten Doeschate was not finished there however, as he scored a century off 116 balls to stabilise a Netherlands innings that had wobbled from the prosperity of 118 for 1 to 159 for 6, with Henry Osinde claiming three wickets. By the close they had advanced to 239, a lead of 136, with ten Doeschate unbeaten on 135.
It was 26-year-old ten Doeshate's sixth first-class century, and he has now reached three figures in four successive innings in the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
Intercontinental Cup pre-match report -- Posted Wednesday, December 6 2006
Both sides went into Tuesday’s Intercontinental Cup match between The Netherlands and Canada in Pretoria with a change of captaincy, with Luuk van Troost (The Netherlands) and George Codrington (Canada) having returned to their respective countries.
Canada have flown in Australian-born all-rounder Steve Welsh to strengthen their squad, giving them three front-line seamers in their attack if he plays. It would mean a first-class debut for Welsh, although he has played in one ODI this season.
Qaiser Ali is the Canadian vice-captain, but injuries and poor form make it uncertain that he will play. The replacement captain has not yet been announced.
The Dutch position in more straightforward: vice-captain Jeroen Smits will take over the captaincy, leading the side for the second time in Intercontinental Cup matches.
For both sides, the fact that Canada has already qualified for the final following The Netherlands’ disappointing draw with Bermuda last month provides an opportunity for experimentation ahead of the World Cricket League in Nairobi and the World Cup which follows. But both will be keen to finish their African tour on a high, especially since neither was able to win their final match in last week’s ODI series.
For The Netherlands, Pieter Seelaar has not recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in the first ODI against Bermuda, and has flown home. Batsman Maurits van Nierop has therefore been retained in the squad, altering its balance somewhat.
Billy Stelling also has a shoulder problem, and it is extremely unlikely that he will play. This means that coach Peter Cantrell’s selection problems are greatly simplified: it comes down to which two of the three top-order batsmen competing for a World Cup place –Tom de Grooth, van Nierop and Eric Szwarczynski – he includes in his side.
De Grooth made 61 on the first day of the match against Bermuda, but his form since then has been poor, and it may be van Nierop and Szwarczynski who make the cut this time. That would leave the question of who should open: the Dutch experimented with batting Bas Zuiderent at four in one of the ODIs, and there might be a case for trying that again. Alternatively, either van Nierop or Szwarczynski could come in after Ryan ten Doeschate, with Daan van Bunge at five.
A possible batting line-up, then, might be: Zuiderent, Szwarczynski, ten Doeschate, van Nierop, van Bunge, Kervezee, de Leede, Borren, Smits, Jonkman, and Kashif.
This all means that Mark Jonkman will make his first-class debut on Tuesday, and if Stelling does not make it, will presumably share the new ball with Ryan ten Doeschate. De Leede and Borren, both of whom have been bowling well but have yet to find form with the bat, will complete the seam attack, with the spin department in the hands of Kashif and van Bunge.
The Sinoville ground, in Pretoria’s northern suburbs, is something of an unknown quantity, since the teams have not yet seen it and this will be the first first-class fixture to have been played there. But local knowledge suggests that it will provide another wicket favourable to batsmen, which may not encourage an outright result but will be something of a relief after the vagaries of Benoni last week.
Rod Lyall
4 December 2006
http://www.cricketeurope4.net/DATABASE/ARTICLES/articles/000034/003448.shtml
Canada bowled out for 103 on Day 1 of Intercontinental Cup -- Posted Tuesday, December 5 2006
Both sides went into Tuesday’s Intercontinental Cup match between The Netherlands and Canada in Pretoria with a change of captaincy, with Luuk van Troost (The Netherlands) and George Codrington (Canada) having returned to their respective countries.
Canada have flown in Australian-born all-rounder Steve Welsh to strengthen their squad, giving them three front-line seamers in their attack if he plays. It would mean a first-class debut for Welsh, although he has played in one ODI this season.
Qaiser Ali is the Canadian vice-captain, but injuries and poor form make it uncertain that he will play. The replacement captain has not yet been announced.
The Dutch position in more straightforward: vice-captain Jeroen Smits will take over the captaincy, leading the side for the second time in Intercontinental Cup matches.
For both sides, the fact that Canada has already qualified for the final following The Netherlands’ disappointing draw with Bermuda last month provides an opportunity for experimentation ahead of the World Cricket League in Nairobi and the World Cup which follows. But both will be keen to finish their African tour on a high, especially since neither was able to win their final match in last week’s ODI series.
For The Netherlands, Pieter Seelaar has not recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in the first ODI against Bermuda, and has flown home. Batsman Maurits van Nierop has therefore been retained in the squad, altering its balance somewhat.
Billy Stelling also has a shoulder problem, and it is extremely unlikely that he will play. This means that coach Peter Cantrell’s selection problems are greatly simplified: it comes down to which two of the three top-order batsmen competing for a World Cup place –Tom de Grooth, van Nierop and Eric Szwarczynski – he includes in his side.
De Grooth made 61 on the first day of the match against Bermuda, but his form since then has been poor, and it may be van Nierop and Szwarczynski who make the cut this time. That would leave the question of who should open: the Dutch experimented with batting Bas Zuiderent at four in one of the ODIs, and there might be a case for trying that again. Alternatively, either van Nierop or Szwarczynski could come in after Ryan ten Doeschate, with Daan van Bunge at five.
A possible batting line-up, then, might be: Zuiderent, Szwarczynski, ten Doeschate, van Nierop, van Bunge, Kervezee, de Leede, Borren, Smits, Jonkman, and Kashif.
This all means that Mark Jonkman will make his first-class debut on Tuesday, and if Stelling does not make it, will presumably share the new ball with Ryan ten Doeschate. De Leede and Borren, both of whom have been bowling well but have yet to find form with the bat, will complete the seam attack, with the spin department in the hands of Kashif and van Bunge.
The Sinoville ground, in Pretoria’s northern suburbs, is something of an unknown quantity, since the teams have not yet seen it and this will be the first first-class fixture to have been played there. But local knowledge suggests that it will provide another wicket favourable to batsmen, which may not encourage an outright result but will be something of a relief after the vagaries of Benoni last week.
Rod Lyall
4 December 2006
It is perhaps a good thing that Canada have already qualified for the Intercontinental Cup Final, as they got off to a poor start in their match against the Netherlands. A collapse of spectacular proportions saw them lose 6 wickets in 9 balls as they fell to 103 all out. In reply a fine century by ten Doeschate has given Netherlands a substantial lead.
Team selection was not difficult- Codrington and Samad had flown home, leaving a squad of 12, and Thuraisingam was injured. Qaiser Ali took over the captaincy,and decided to bat after winning the toss. Neither opener lasted long, Jyoti caught behind down the leg side, and Chumney, who had already been dropped, leg before. Bagai and Qaiser Ali, however put together a useful partnership, taking the score to 76 before Qaiser Ali was caught at slip off slow left-armer Kashif. Mulla hit his second ball for six, but with the score on 84 was the first victim in a Mohammed Kashif hat-trick. Dhaniram was caught at silly point, at which point lunch was taken. From the first ball after the interval Maxwell was caught behind to complete the hat-trick. The Dutch thought it was four wickets in four balls appealing for a bat-pad catch but the umpire disagreed. However it did not slow the Canadian collapse much, as in the very next over ten Doeschate took three wickets in four balls, sending Bagai, Welsh (a golden duck on first-class debut) and Sandher back to the pavilion. Canada had lost 6 wickets in nine balls. Osinde hit out, connecting with a couple of sixes, but Canada were all out for 103, ten Doeschate taking 6/20 and Mohammed Kashif 4/39.
Osinde had Zuiderent leg-before with the score on 12 but Szwarczynski and ten Doeschate put together a century partnership and Netherlands passed Canada's score with only one wicket down. When Osinde returned for a second spelll he dismissed Szwarczynski and van Bunge in quick succession, and two wickets from Dhaniram helped reduce the Dutch to 159/6. ten Doeschate however was still there, and reached a fine century from just 166 balls, with fifteen fours and a six - a magnificent all-round performance. At the close he was 135 not out, and had put on 80 runs for the 7th wicket with Borren (41*)
Reports sourced from the following:-
CricInfo scorecard
CricketEurope commmentary
MCC Tour to Canada 1872 -- Posted Tuesday, December 5 2006
The original impetus for the Marylebone Cricket Club tour of 1872 came from Thomas Charles Patteson of Toronto. Paterson, editor of the conservative-minded Toronto 'Mail' and member of the socially elite Toronto Cricket Club (TCC), devised a plan to recruit an English XI from the MCC in England to tour the Dominion of Canada. The TCC intended to use the team to promote the sport of cricket, which had declined during the late 1860's.
The star of the tour was Dr. W.G. Grace
August 17 Quebec City Cricket Club
August 21 Montreal Cricket Club
August 26 Ottawa Cricket Club
September 1 Toronto Cricket Club
September 8 London Cricket Club
September 11 Hamilton Cricket Club
September 13 Visit Niagara Falls
September 18 St. Georges Club, New York cricket in Central Park
September 21 Germantown Cricket Club, Philadelphia
September 25 Boston Cricket Club, at Harvard University
Source:- Journal of Sport History, volume 27
Associates at WC 2007 -- Posted Monday, December 4 2006
Mike Proctor looks forward to seeing Associates at the Cricket World Cup
Mike Proctor gave a few words of encouragement to the teams at the closing presentations on Saturday for the ICC ODI Tri-Series, won by the Netherlands. Bermuda, who beat the Netherlands in the last game, came third, with Canada in second place. Proctor gave his remarks in the context of trying to assist the players as they prepare for ODIs with Test-status countries and hoped they would continue to listen to their own coaches. Proctor was the ICC Match Referee for this series.
"It has been interesting seeing you play. I've seen good coaches and good captains. There have been well thought out changes in the field and in the bowling."
"The batting has been a bit disappointing, as none of the players who scored between the 40's and 60's (individual runs) went on to make a big score." He talked of how, typically, in one-day cricket, having one player making a big score provides the background for the rest of the batsmen to contribute towards a major total team score.
He was "pleased to see the players had learned to take the 1's and 2's." He mentioned how this keeps the score moving. It was an echo of something Gordon Greenidge said during the Stanford 20/20 tournament in Antigua earlier this year. Greenidge thought some batsmen needed to learn to keep the score moving each ball; not to rely on hits for 4's or 6's.....often resulting in them getting out rather than making runs."
Proctor re-affirmed "Do the basics right. Running between the wickets. Keep sharp in the field." Certainly Canadian national coach, Andy Pick, has been preaching "the basics" since moving to Canada in April. This past week it looked like 'the one-day template' that he spoke to me about in August was coming together. The first-class (4-day game) template had worked well in the Intercontinental Cup with impressive and exciting wins over Kenya and Bermuda. Matches decided in the last hour of a four-day match. Cricket purists missed a treat in those games.
Mike Proctor added "I will be interested to see how the leading associates play in the next World Cup. Based on what he had seen, he believes the teams (in general) will do better than in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa." He commented that the ICC has provided more assistance to the leading Associates, including the work done by people such as Richard Done, the ICC High Performance Development Manager.
I note "in general" as there was the 'special case' of Kenya reaching the semi-final. Something that will be harder to achieve with four groups of four and a Super Eight series, than the groups of 7 and a Super Six in the 2003 tournament.
Proctor talked briefly about the 'Spirit of the Game', the ICC Code of Conduct and the reporting process. This he felt was important to be understood by the Associate Players. Incident reporting now depends on the umpires reports, including the third/TV umpire. Previously, the Match Referee had power to make reports on breaches of the Code of Conduct. Proctor had "heard some remarks yesterday, from batsment about umpiring decisions. It was important for players to remember their responsibilities under the Code of Conduct and the Spirit of the Game."
Mike Proctor closed by saying "I had a tremendous time" seeing the ICC ODI Tri-Series in Potchefstroom and Benoni. "I was impressed by the guys enthusiasm for cricket and looked forward to good results at the World Cup."
Richard Done added a comment that "standards gradually improve over time" by following the basics and ideas the likes of Proctor, the coaches and the likes of himself are trying to press on the players.
Some of the players in this tournament have first-class experience outside of the developmental ICC Intercontinental Cup. David Hemp, who now captains Glamorgan, brings many years of County experience to this tournament. Ryan ten Doeschate broke into the Essex County Championship team on a regular basis this past season, indeed he was presented his county cap in September during a match with Derbyshire. In 2005 he was used almost exclusively in One-Day matches.
Hopefully, some of the players will learn from the likes of Hemp. He spoke to me one night about how in the Intercontinental Cup, 'the drinks intervals were 50 minutes apart". He translated this into playing an innings in chunks of 14 overs and he had an awareness how much he needed to re-hydrate at each break. I wondered how many players in this tournament would see the game from that perspective, but this is how the mostly amateur players have to think if they are to compete - which sometimes means putting up a good showing - with the top internationsl teams.
In the match report on the Bermuda-Netherlands match in Benoni, I refered to a strong appeal by the Dutch on the first ball that Hemp faced. He clearly has the mental side of the game in place, helped by years of experience, to forget that moment and move on. Soon afterwards, he counter-attacked and helped his side to their sole victory of the tournament.
In a Canadian context, one morning during a warm-up before one of the World Cricket League Americas Competition, Canada's captain John Davison pointed out to some of the younger players in the squad the need to work hard in practice and warm-ups so they are set to play. He has the experience from games he has played and from those he has played with and against.
I've seen the Netherlands working and preparing in Pretoria, Potchefstroom and Benoni, and their coaches, management and leading players are all looking for a professional attitude.
The road to success does not come overnight in cricket, which mirrors life in my opinion, and in the view of Sanjay Talreja in the Canadian cricket film "Cricket and the Meaning of Life." This film has been seen by several in Bermuda, and has started to do the rounds in the Dutch camp.
Richard Done made some brief closing remarks after Mike Proctor's talk. "Standards gradually improve over time" by following the ideas outlined by Proctor and stressed in more detail by the National Coaches and their supporting teams.
"There will be three months of hard work up to the World Cup. Good luck in your preparations. I will be interested to see the progress and results over the next few months," concluded Done.
Notes: Just a reminder that some of the comments are qualified for people with a ‘non-cricketing background’ as my main distribution is into Canada, with copies to a number of other places.
Some playing backgrounds (feel free to include some or all within the story or as an addendum):
Mike Proctor was a leading all-rounder from South Africa whose Test Career was severely restricted to 7 Tests, all against Australia, while South African international cricket was an outcast during years of International Anti-Apartheid pressures. He made 401 first class appearances, many with Gloucestershire in the County Championship. He bowled right-arm fast-medium, something missing from Cricinfo’s ‘style’ category, but their record underlines his 1,417 first class wickets. I particularly remember his hat-trick of leg-before wicket dismissals for Gloucester against Essex at Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-on-Sea, bowling round the wicket. I believe the late Keith Boyce was one of his hat-trick victims.
Gordon Greenidge played 108 test matches and 128 ODIs for the West Indies as a powerful opening batsman. He played in England for Hampshire, often alongside South African star Barry Richards. A phenomenal opening pair in any age.
Richard Done, the ICC High Performance Manager, played his first-class cricket for New South Wales and also played for Suffolk in the English Minor Counties. He has an extensive coaching background, including the Queensland Coaching Academy (where he replaced Bennett King, the current West Indies coach) and was Senior Coach at the Australian Cricket Academy.
David Hemp, now playing for Bermuda at the International level, has made 230 first-class and 250 List A Limited Overs cricket matches, mostly with Glamorgan. He bats left-handed and bowls right-arm medium pace.
And the bad news the main camera lens (up to 500mm) is no longer working reliably – it failed badly during the Netherlands-Bermuda match on Saturday where there were at least five clicks that should have brought nice pictures of catches that brought nothing. I will see what can be done…a 200mm lens seems to work and it might be possible for ‘someone’ to blow the pictures up. Don’t bother asking who that someone might be.
Certain outlets might be interested that at least one picture has made it to coverage of this series in “De Telegraaf” (The Netherlands). There was something on their website on Friday, so I am told.
Eddie Norfolk
Pretoria, South Africa
Sunday December 3, 2006
Winnipeg winter cricket -- Posted Monday, December 4 2006
Taverners vs GT Crew...Dec 3 2006
Well, what is there to say other than this was a comprehensive victory by the Taverners vs opponents that this reporter neglected to get the name of. Winning by 171 runs is probably (without researching the MB Cricket files) a record victory in 7-a-side matches in Winnipeg.
How did this come about???
Taverners won the toss and elected to bat first primarily because Toulson Snr chose to take his time arriving and appeared on site about 5 mins after the scheduled start time. But we must give him credit…this allowed the Taverners to bat with a certain amount of abandon given that there wasn’t a total to chase. The first pairing of Roberts & Anderson got the team off to a good start with a solid partnership of 52 of which Roberts scored 52! Yes – our leader in the bowling stats (don’t forget that this is only his 2nd year playing) proved to all in attendance that although he may be able to bowl well he can’t bat for shit! The first two balls he faced – OUT – and ended up with a total of 0 runs. Next partnership was that of the English captain Wilcox and Munro-Smith the Kiwi. It needs to be pointed out that it is not the preference of a Kiwi to bat with a Pom but, being a team player, he did what the Captain asked. This partnership resulted in 51 runs (Wilcox 38, M-S 13) due to the fact that Wilcox tended to hog the bowling not really allowing M-S to get into his batting stride. Daibee and our resident Thespian, Keith James, followed and despite a slow start had the largest partnership of 54. Who would’ve guessed? The latecomer, Toulson Snr, had to bat alone (either punishment or the fact no-one else wants to bat with him) and scored an admirable 27. The end result, when you add in 36 extras, was a Taverner total of 220.
The opposition response to this daunting total? Against most opposition I have no doubt that they could have mounted a vigorous defence. But given the bowling attack, led by Anderson and Munro-Smith, they had no chance! Once again Mark Anderson proved that he is a deserved leader of the bowling averages with figures of 4 ovrs, 5 wkts, 18 runs. Obviously the surprise of the day was the performance of Munro-Smith with the figures of 4 overs, 5 wickets, 19 runs. With his combination of slow balls, a little faster than slow lobs etc he bamboozled the batsmen and returned the 2nd best figures of the day. If, as he admitted later at the pub, Daibee had been paying attention M-S would have had 6 wickets in an innings for the first time in his career!!! Everyone else got wickets as well – Toulson 2 for 13, Wilcox 2 for 19, James 2 for 21, Daibee 2 for 5 (and it needs to be pointed out that M-S held no grudges and assisted Daibee by taking a catch off his bowling). It was a varied day behind the stumps with Roberts taking catches, missing stumpings, dropping catches…at times all Taverner keepers moved up the depth chart but overall it was a good performance and helped to enable us to keep the opposition to 49 runs!
Post match drinks were held at the Fox, where a sweet little barmaid with a tattoo on her lower back, provided great service. It needs to be pointed out that when leaving to do some XMAS shopping the pommie bastard (I mean captain) specifically asked Daibee & Roberts if they were OK for next Sunday (next game) and pointedly ignored one of the leading bowlers (M-S) from today when checking/advising about availability. This slight was observed by other team members. But we should not be surprised - this captain has benched players in the past if they appear to pose a threat to his personal statistical standing. The co-social convenor I am sure will have something to say about this at some stage. Also (please put on website till next year) Martin bet Sid $10 that the Dallas QB, Roma, would not be the starting Dallas QB in 2007. Time will tell.
Next game – next Sunday, Dec 10.
Xmas/New Year meeting at Karls on 27 Dec, 2006
Tri-Series post mortem -- Posted Sunday, December 3 2006
The three way series against fellow world-Cup qualifiers Bermuda and the Netherlands was an important part of Canada’s World Cup build up and a chance for those on the margins to skate a claim for selection. It was also a chance to reverse a miserable sequence of one-day international defeats that stretched back to 2003. Canada were without the experience and class of their antipodean players, captain Davison, Billcliff and Barnett, all with commitments at home. George Codrington was asked to take over the team, and one lesson that was learned on the trip is that George is a good captain. In terms of results the tournament was a modest success, with two wins over Bermuda, and two losses to the Dutch. However in both losses Canada found much to be positive about, especially in their final game, where they took the Netherlands to the final over in a thrilling game.
Canada travelled with a small squad of thirteen and chose to rotate players, ensuring all had at least two games, and most three or four. The batting in general was much better than in the poor performances over the summer. Asish Bagai had been in great form in the ICC Training camp, and continued on, making two half-centuries and cementing his spot in the Canadian team as first-choice keeper. His steady methods held the innings together when quick wickets were lost. The top run-scorer was Desmond Chumney, with 158. He made a significant contribution with the bat in all four games without ever reaching a big score, but answered the critics who felt his age and past record should count against him. Don Maxwell returned an impressive average of 100, thanks to two not-outs in three innings, but his lack of success with the ball may not help him gain selection as a hard-hitting all-rounder. Dhaniram played one match winning innings, and as perhaps the best of the bowlers should now be considered the first choice all rounder. Samad played well in the upper order, again taking advantage of the match practice gained with the ICC Training Camp. Jyoti only played twice, due to injury, and had one decent innings. Mulla made 50 runs in three innings, and Qaser Ali 13 in two- neither significantly advanced their case.
As already stated Dhaniram bowled very well, joint top-wicket taker at an economy rate of under four. The other front-line spinner, Sandher also performed well, often being asked to bowl at the death. The opening pair, Bhatti and Osinde were always threatening, Osinde more likely to take wickets, Bhatti the most economical of all the bowlers. Osinde tended to lack direction, conceding too any extras, but his ability to take top-order wickets was invaluable. Thuraisingam played only twice but as always looked good, bowling economically, and taking wickets.
George Codrington had an excellent series, as captain and bowler, and also making important contributions with the bat. He turned 40 in the course of this series, and perhaps will be considered too old for the World Cup squad by many; however his performances speak for themselves.
Based on this series, Canada’s World Cup side will tend to be middle aged, or elderly in cricketing terms. If Chumney (aged 38) can continue his good form he will be in consideration for a batting spot, Dhaniram (also 38) must surely be a certainty, and John Davison is also in his late thirties. Canada’s bowling looks as though apart from Osinde and Bhatti, it will rely on spin, with Codrington taking the third seamer’s spot. A possible World Cup starting XI based on current form might be
Davison, Barnett, Chumney, Samad, Bagai, Billcliff, Dhaniram, Codrington, Bhatti, Sandher, Osinde
However there’s still time for other players to demonstrate their abilities, with the ICC World Cricket League Division 1 (Canada, Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Kenya) scheduled for Kenya in January. Jyoti, Qaser Ali and Mulla will need to play well to show they belong with the team. Thuraisingam would be a solid squad member for wickets that don’t favour spin in place of Sandher. Others in with a chance are Steve Welch, who may play against Netherlands in the four-day match, Haninder Dhillon from BC, and the former Test players Dassanayake and Anderson Cummins. Happy to hear opinions to the contrary in the forum!
Dave Liverman
Bermuda beat the Netherlands to end ODI series -- Posted Sunday, December 3 2006
Bermuda regained some pride with a six wicket win over the Netherlands at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on Saturday.
This match completed the Tri-Nations ODI Series, won by the Dutch, thanks to their win on Friday against Canada.
The Netherlands innings never got going with wickets falling regularly, including the loss of 4 wickets for the addition of just 2 runs in a spell of three overs. The fall of wickets was magnified three runs later, with the total on 51 runs for 6 wickets when captain Luuk van Troost was forced to retire hurt after taking a blow on the elbow. He did not return to bat.
The topic of shot selection will almost certainly have come up in post-match discussions. It began with Bas Zuiderent’s skied shot to Steffan Kelly (16 runs for 1 wicket) and ended with Muhammad Kashif’s drive to Kevin Hurdle at mid-on that closed the innings for 91 runs in the 27th over.
The same pitch was used for all three matches at Benoni, but one of the batsman thought there was more life on Friday than on Saturday. The main damage came from Bermuda’s opening attack of Hurdle and Saleem Mukuddem. Both bowled their full allotment of 10 overs before the first bowling change in the 21st over. Mukuddem was later named Man-of-the Match by Mike Proctor for taking 4 wickets for 40 runs. Hurdle took 3 wickets for 30 runs, including dangerman Ryan ten Doeschate, who made just 12 runs and dismissed Tom de Leede next ball.
The game was over before the lunch interval, but not before the unlikely possibility of a Dutch win raised it’s head. Both opening batsmen were out before the end of the 6th over with just 13 runs on the board. The third wicket fell to the last ball of the 10th over with the total on just 24 runs, and it will never be known what might have been if David Hemp had been given out first ball to a confident appeal for leg-before wicket, when facing ten Doeschate. Bermudian captain Irving Romaine responded with four boundaries and the 13th over also proved productive with 3x4 and 2x2 as Hemp began to lead the charge. ICC’s Development Manager Richard Done commented at the closing presentations that this game had ‘a very short, sharp finish which we didn’t expect.” The winning run came at the end of the 17th over.
After Mukuddem received the Man-of-the-Match award, Netherlands’s captain van Troost was presented with the bowl for winning the tournament. He thanked “all those who made this series possible” and added that “it helps a lot” in the development of Associates cricket and the build-up to next year’s Cricket World Cup. He ‘hoped to see you all in Kenya” for the inaugural ICC World Cricket League Division One that begins in late January 2007. The top two sides in that event will qualify for the first international 20/20 world championships, which carries some additional financial support from the ICC.
Canada and the Netherlands meet in the final match of their group in the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2006 from Tuesday December 4 to Friday December 8. Canada has already won the group and qualified for the final, which will not be played until 2007.
Scoring Summary at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa, Dec 2, 2006:
The Netherlands 91 all out 26.4 overs
Saleem Mukuddem 4 wickets for 40 runs,
Kevin Hurdle 3 wickets for 30 runs)
Bermuda 92 runs for 4 wickets 17 overs
David Hemp 36 runs not out
Bermuda won by 6 wickets, taking 4 points for the win and 1 bonus point for their scoring rate.
Final Standings for this Tri-Nations Series
P W L BP Pts
The Netherlands 4 3 1 1 13
Canada 4 2 2 1 9
Bermuda 4 1 3 1 5
Report
I won’t go into the crowd figures at this time, but I was approached by 50% of the ‘crowd’ on the public side during the morning’s play to see if I would sponsor him to live and work in Canada. For the record, I declined.
The crowd increased a couple of times as junior cricketers passed by to watch the game.
Eddie Norfolk
Cricket snippet #4 -- Posted Sunday, December 3 2006
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia has a cricket bat labelled as a war club.
This reference is located on page 140 in 'The Imperial Game', published in 1998 by the Manchester University Press.
Ben Sennik finds it hot in the kitchen -- Posted Friday, December 1 2006
Canadian board president's open letter
Sennik hits back at critics
Cricinfo staff
December 1, 2006
An open letter to Cricinfo from Ben Sennik, the president of the Canadian Cricket Association
I would imagine in common with most national cricketing bodies operating under the ICC umbrella, the Canadian Cricket Association (CCA) prefers to avoidconducting its business via the media. In the case of the CCA, we avoid doing so simply out of a desire not to bore cricket fans around the globe with the myriad of background situations and challenges which confront any national cricket organization.
However, due to the litany of aggressive commentary appearing on the Cricinfo website in recent months about the CCA, I feel compelled to offer some defence. Ido so not out of any need for personal gratification, but rather as recognition of the on-going support of Canada's Provincial Cricket Associations and the thousands of players across the country.
I refer specifically to four articles:
i) Commentary about the CCA president being "eccentric" and the CCA "shooting itself in the foot" for severing the relationship with a person appointed to the portfolio of Marketing and Communication. The article was written by that same person.
ii) Criticism of the CCA's marketing, merchandising and promotional activities.
iii) Criticism of the CCA's selection procedures.
iv) Article entitled "The blinkered world of the Canadian Cricket Association".
Cricinfo has done a stellar job as one of the primary sources for cricket information internationally (including, I believe, winning internet media industry awards). The CCA respects Cricinfo's right as a media vehicle to present its views and opinions. However, we believe that that right is accompanied by a responsibility to ensure unbiased content.
Despite the fact that the four articles have a common thread, I will spare your readers a tiresome (but easy) point-by-point rebuttal. Instead, I concentrate on what the CCA has achieved in recent years.
1. Financial
In the 2005-2006 financial year, and for the first time in over a decade, the CCA has succeeded in recording a small operating surplus. It has also substantially reduced the debt load inherited from a previous administration. For the third year in succession, the CCA has completed a Canadian finance industry-approvedaudit. We are pleased to have joined the select group of national cricket bodies operating within ICC which can claim such a sound financial standing. We are confident that ICC, and other cricketing nations, appreciate such fiscal prudence.
2. Facilities
The CCA has recently succeeded in adding a second ICC-approved ODI ground (Maple Leaf CC, near Toronto). As such, Canada is the only country in theAmericas with such facilities. We take only small pride in that latter point: we would like to work with other recognised cricket bodies in the Americas to lift their facilities to similar levels.
3. Sponsorship
Cricket is far from being a major sport in Canadian sponsorship circles. Nevertheless, the rapidly changing demographics in the country are making it more attractive to companies which are committed to an ethnic marketing approach. The CCA has recently attracted five corporate sponsors and has had lengthy discussions with companies in areas such as financial services, the automotive sector and both print and electronic media. Canada is far from alone among ICC Associate Member countries in facing sponsorship challenges. However, we continue to confront those challenges - with some successes.
4. Government Support
Governments represent a further - and important - area of financial support (a measure of that importance is the favourable situation for Bermudan cricket with the recent injection of US$11 million from the national government).
The CCA was pleased to work with the provincial Ontario government to help secure a recent grant of Can $1 million for cricket in Ontario, Canada's largest cricketing region. We are also in discussions with the Canadian federal government to secure long-term support for the sport. Quite rightly, the government requires the sport's organizing body to be on a sound financial footing (now proven). It also requires the CCA to offer support to all groups including recent and previous immigrants, Canadians of aboriginal descent and to both female and male cricketers (all, either done or in the process of being done).
5. The Playing Side
Canada remains the only Associate Member country to have qualified for three World Cups. The ICC High Performance Program is ensuring that the top stratum of Associate Member cricket is becoming more and more competitive. We are dedicated to maintaining Canada's position in that stratum. This is evidenced by the fact that Canada will be playing in the Intercontinental Cup final in 2007, following victories in four-day games over Kenya and Bermuda.
6. More On The Playing Side
The availability of two ICC-approved grounds in Toronto is attracting the attention of the Boards of Control of ICC Full Member countries. We have had extensivediscussions with several countries about playing bilateral or tri-series in Toronto, both in the 50-over format and Twenty20 (as an aside, the Twenty20 form may well prove particularly suited to the North American market which is accustomed to three-hour baseball games). Again, it would be imprudent to make public such discussions prior to their finalisation.
All of these points which I outline were made formally at the 2006 CCA AGM - a meeting which was open to, and attended by, representatives of the media.
If all of the above represents "eccentricity" and "a blinkered world", then I as CCA president and the CCA as a body stand guilty. I would respectfully suggest, however, that this is far from being the case.
Article sourced from:-
usa.cricinfo.com/canada/content/story/270615.html
Editorial comment:
After all Sennik has done (according to Ben), the only thing he has not claimed credit for is helping the sun rise.
Most ludicrous of all Ben's claims is that it was the CCA's good offices which led to the Bank of Nova Scotia.
ScotiaBank has been sponsoring cricket in the West Indies for decades and is a major sponsor of the WC 2007.
In the light of his rant, a comparative analysis is recommended of his claimed sponsorship coups, with what he actually said in his AGM speech.
Regretably, the President of the CCA is so out of touch with reality, that to read is to weep.
Jon Harris
Canada pipped by Netherlands last wicket pairing -- Posted Friday, December 1 2006
Scoring summary from Willowmoore Park, Benoni.
Canada 223 runs for 8 wickets (50 overs; Abdool Samad 44 runs, Desmond Chumney 44 runs)
The Netherlands 205 runs for 9 wickets (41.4 overs; Daan van Bunge 52 runs, Billy Stelling 39 runs not out)
The Netherlands win by 1 wicket under the Duckworth/Lewis method, where rain reduced their innings to 42 overs.
Report
Canada lost the return match with the Netherlands by 1 wicket in another bitter-sweet performance in Benoni on Friday. Billy Stelling's 39 runs not out, including a last-wicket stand of 27 runs with Mark Jonkman gave the Dutch a victory in a game of fluctuating fortunes where Canada was on top for most of the day. The Netherlands' won under the Duckworth/Lewis method as a thunderstorm prolonged the lunch interval and reduced their innings to 42 overs.
Indeed, when Peter Borren was out to Sunil Dhaniram to leave the Dutch on 142 runs for seven wickets, Canada still had the chance of a win and a bonus point that could have put them into contention for the overall championship in this Tri-Series event.
Daan van Bunge's 52 runs helped the Dutch middle order recovery, and then Stelling brought home the win. That had seemed unlikely at the ten over mark as Henry Osinde and Umar Bhatti had resticted the Dutch to 19 runs for 1 wicket.
A spell of counter-attack, begun by Ryan ten Doeschate (33 runs, 7x4) and, when he was out, skipper Luuk van Troost (34 runs, 2x4, 1x6) gave their side hope of a recovery. The Canadian spin attack then made inroads to restrict the scoring rate but there were some purple overs for the Netherlands, interspersed with Canadian successes, and some near chances that could have titlted the balance.
The Canadian spinners had their moments, and the Canadian camp come out with the thought that all four matches might have been won, not just the two games with Bermuda. This sets up confidence for the future. Something lacking during the northern summer of six ODI defeats, three being against Bermuda.
This swing of fotune continued a trend set during the Canadian innings where Ashish Bagai (23 runs) and Abdool Samad (44 runs) started a very promising second wicket stand of 52 runs that might have continued. The innings foundered for a few overs, reaching 109 runs for the loss of five wickets, before skipper George Codrington (31 runs, 1x4, 2x6) joined Desmond Chumney in a promising stand of 48 runs. Chumeny went on to make 44 runs, and Don Maxwell lead the charge in the final overs with 37 runs not out (3x4).
Tim de Leede bowled a tidy spell of 10 overs in the middle of this innings, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs. Some of Stelling's overs helped stem the initial progress of Bagai and Samad.
Mike Proctor had a difficult decision to make regarding the Man-of-the-Match. He chose Stelling for his late heroics. The Dutch will be fortified by the promise of van Bunge, and were delighted with this win, They meet Bermuda at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, on Saturday to complete this series.
Both teams wore red ribbons as part of the ICC/UNAIDS program to promote AIDS awareness on a global basis, this match having been played on World AIDS day.
Eddie Norfolk
Canada lose last over thriller to Netherlands -- Posted Friday, December 1 2006
Canada lost an exciting one-day match by the closest of margins as Stelling hit the 4th ball of the final over for four with Canada needing just one wicket. The rain affected match was in the balance for most of the Netherlands innings after joint top-scores of 44 from Samad and Chumney had taken Canada to a respectable total against some tight Dutch bowling in Canada's 4th match in the Tri-Series.
George Codrington lost the toss for the first time in the TriSeries, and, with rain in the forecast, Canada was asked to bat. Mulla and Maxwell returned for Canada, at the expense of Jyoti and Thuraisingam. Mulla was caught behind for 12, but Bagai and Samad put on 52 before Bagai was caught in the 19th over. Samad departed with the score on 95 for a patient 44 from 75 balls. The hundred came up after 29 overs, as Canada struggled to force the run-rate against tight Netherlands bowling. When Qaser Ali fell leg-before to de Leede for just a single, and Dhaniram hit a simple catch to mid-on without scoring, Canada were in dire straits at 109/5 off 31 overs. Chumney and Codrington however do not lack experience, and put together a sensible 58 run partnership. It was broken when Chumney tried to steal a sharp single, only to be run out by a sharp throw- he had made 44 from 65 balls. Codrington was yorked for 31 in the 47th over, and Bhatti was run out 6 balls later. Don Maxwell hit well in the final overs to finish on 37* off 27 balls, as Canada recovered well.
The start of the Netherlands innings was been delayed by rain but when they did resume the target was 205 from 42 overs. Bhatti and Osinde bowled very well, with the Netherlands managing only 18 runs from the first eleven overs. Osinde captured the wicket of van Nierop, caught at mid-off, and Bhatti bowled his first six overs for only 4 runs. In one over Bhatti beat defensive strokes with five out of six deliveries and was very unfortunate not to pick up a wicket. Falling well behind the required run-rate, the Dutch looked to accelerate, and Osinde took his second wicket as de Grooth top-edged an attempted big hit. Van Troost ruined Bhatti's figures as he got off the mark with a big six over long-on. Samad was somewhat surprisingly asked to bowl first-change - in retrospect a poor decision - as twenty runs came from his single over, putting Netherlands back into the game. Bhatti grasped the initiative right back in the next over, dismissing ten Doeschate for 38, and the dangerous Baz Zuiderent for a duck. With rain still a possibility, the Duckworth-Lewis tables were being frequently consulted and after 20 overs were complete, the Netherlands were fractionally ahead of the required rate. Van Troost was batting aggressively and eventually hit a lofted shot to Osinde in the deep, leaving Netherlands 120/5 and the match evenly poised. A direct hit from Sandher ran out de Leede, and with eleven overs remaining Netherlands needed 64 runs. The pendulum swung Canada's way again in the 32nd over bowled by Dhaniram where conceded just one run but also took the wicket of Borren. Van Bunge was playing well, and reached an invaluable half century before lofting Sandher to Bhatti who took a well judged catch to leave Netherlands needing 27 runs from 26 balls with just 2 wickets left. Smits fell for just a single but Stelling, accompanied by Jonkman put on 27 runs for the last wicket to bring Netherlands to a narrow victory.
CricInfo scorecard
Cricket world unites for AIDS -- Posted Friday, December 1 2006
ICC Media Release
For immediate release
Dubai, 30 November 2006
The leading teams and players from across the cricket world will unite together this week in support of people living with HIV/AIDS for the fourth consecutive year.
World Aids Day, which is on the 1st December, will be marked with a series of activities on or around the day at major Test and ODI matches, while the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Development Program will also run a number of events aimed at providing education on HIV/AIDS for young people on cricket programmes.
These events are the latest activity to take place as part of the ICC’s partnership with UNAIDS and UNICEF.
Among the highlights taking place this week, players from both India and South Africa will wear red ribbons at the Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on Friday, to show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Representatives from both teams will address the crowd before the game on the importance of tackling HIV/AIDS, before balloons will be released into the sky.
Graeme Smith, the South African captain, who visited children living with HIV/AIDS in Ahmedabad during the ICC Champions Trophy in India, along with some of his playing colleagues, commented: “The children we visited in Ahmedabad reminded us of the devastating situation back home where the disease has left thousands of children parentless and orphaned.
“Young people are in the front line of the battle against HIV/AIDS and I urge them to get to know as much about it as possible.
“Ignorance is the biggest enemy while knowledge will lead to prevention and the ability to educate your friends.
“On this significant day, we the Proteas pledge our support to all those infected and affected by HIV/ AIDS and we will continue to fight the stigma associated with those living with the virus.”
Rahul Dravid, who will miss Friday’s game through injury, said: "Our first ever Twenty20 international match in Johannesburg will be a momentous and historic occasion for Indian cricket. As well as providing the opportunity for us to gain valuable match experience ahead of the Twenty20 World Championship next year, as the match takes place on World Aids Day we will be using this game to show our support for the millions of people in India and South Africa, living with HIV/AIDS, by wearing red ribbons on our shirts."
Players from Pakistan and West Indies are also committed to showing their support for this issue.
West Indian batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan said: "We should all make a conscious effort to protect ourselves. I want to urge everyone, especially young people across the globe, to make sure they are aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS and always use protection."
Australia and England’s captains, whose players will both wear ribbons in the 2nd Ashes Test Match at Adelaide on Friday, have also united behind the cause.
Ricky Ponting said: “By uniting for children on World Aids Day in such a high profile Test Match, we hope to make a difference to those whose lives are touched by HIV/AIDS, and show that the cricket world is united in having a positive impact on this issue.”
England skipper, Andrew Flintoff, added: “The English cricket team is committed to supporting the Spirit of Cricket both on and off the field. I believe it is important to use our position and profile to support important social causes and we are delighted to support the International Cricket Council’s partnership with UNAIDS on World Aids Day.”
There are also activities taking place across the 87 Associate and Affiliate Members of the ICC, including at the ICC Tri Series which is being staged in South Africa between Bermuda, Canada and the Netherlands.
And the ICC Development Program will also see a series of events in Member countries. For example, in Uganda, a range of World Aids Day activities are taking place as part of their Girls Cricket week. There will be group talks, t-shirts distributed with AIDS messages, players will wear red ribbons and there will also be counseling sessions available.
“The issue of children and young people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS has been missing from the global response for far too long. The leadership shown by the ICC in highlighting the need to unite for children and unite against AIDS is a demonstration of the power of cricket and sport," said Peter McDermott, who leads UNICEF’s HIV/AIDS programme. "By mobilising teams, coaches, media, fans and others to put children at the centre of the AIDS agenda, the ICC is making an invaluable contribution that we hope others will replicate.”
A UNAIDS spokesperson added: “UNAIDS believes in UNITING THE WORLD AGAINST AIDS and actively involving all partners in the response to AIDS including the sports sector. Sport is a force for change, breaks down barriers, builds self-esteem and can teach life skills and social behaviour.
“Leading sports people such as the top cricket players can act as role models for today’s young generation – a generation that has not known a world without AIDS. Increased access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is urgently needed and the world must ‘keep the promise’ to those in need.”
Notes to Editors:
1. In September 2003 the ICC became the first global sporting body to enter into a partnership with UNAIDS to help raise awareness and reduce stigma about HIV/AIDS. This partnership, which has seen a series of activities take place since its inception, is now also supported by UNICEF.
2. Of the more than 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the world today, nearly 13 million live in ICC Full Member countries. India and South Africa alone have nearly 10 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. The ICC ran a series of events at the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 to show its support for people with HIV/AIDS. As well as high profile support of the Millennium Development Goals, through a Stand Up Against Poverty event in Jaipur, leading South African players took time out of their tournament schedule to visit young people affected by HIV/AIDS in Ahmedabad. Players and umpires in the semi-finals also wore red ribbons on their shirts in support of the partnership.