One-day rule changes introduced -- Posted Sunday, September 30 2007
The International Cricket Council has announced a series of one-day rule changes with immediate effect.
Free-hits have been introduced for front-foot no-balls, along with a mandatory change of match ball after the 35th over of each innings.
The changes were due to come into effect on 1 October, but were brought forward to avoid mid-series confusion.
India's matches against Australia and England's series against Sri Lanka will be played under the new regulations.
The other most notable changes are:
An additional fielder will be permitted outside the fielding inner circle during the second or third powerplays
If the number of overs in an innings has been reduced, the number of overs making up each of the three powerplays will also be proportionately reduced
Boundaries square of the wicket must be a minimum of 150 yards (137.16m) (previously 140 yards) with the minimum on one side of 65 yards (59.44m) and straight boundaries must be a minimum of 70 yards (64m) (previously 60 yards)
The match referee has the final say in awarding a match to a side in the event of the other side refusing to play
Umpires can impose time-wasting penalties if a new batsman is not ready to face his first delivery within two minutes of the fall of the previous wicket
Article sourced from:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7019874.stm
Cricket fun and festivities in Scarborough, Ontario -- Posted Saturday, September 29 2007
Vradenburg school hosted cricket festival
A cricket league in Scarborough would be a hit for a Scarborough physical education teacher.
If Tim Stone had his way there would be cricket at every school in Scarborough and even across the GTA.
Stone helped organize the Vradenburg Cricket Festival that was held at Vradenburg Junior Public School at Warden and Finch avenues on Wednesday. Grade 4, 5 and 6 students from Cornell Public School at Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue and North York's Grenoble Public School at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue were invited to compete.
"There were cricket information displays and the school soccer field was transformed into a full-fledged cricket stadium with a boundary that goes all the way around," he said. "There were also some tents to make a pavilion area."
Stone said he fell in love with the sport when he was studying for his teaching degree in Australia where the sport is popular.
"When I saw it being played in Australia I thought it was great," he said. "It's a great game. It's a hand-eye co-ordination sport like baseball, but a lot more strategy."
So, along with a baseball team practice, the school held regular cricket practices.
"It provided an opportunity for more of the school to get involved," he said. "Being a Toronto school there's no question that cricket is a sport for a lot of the students that is in their background. Maybe their parents played it."
England is the birthplace of cricket, he said, and the sport spread through South Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, including Jamaica and Barbados, and Australia.
Stone said he started working on the school's cricket festival back in March.
Through a partnership with the two other schools and help from Melvin John, president of M D Community Corp., who brought in and paid for cricket coaches as well as supplying equipment.
John said he got involved in the cricket festival to promote the sport.
"I played cricket since I was a child and I like being able to bring cricket into the schools," he said. "I went to the schools and offered my help in any way I could to promote cricket. They didn't have a coach so I found one that could go in and work with the kids."
John, who is an Anglo-Indian from Pakistan, has been in Canada for 20 years and lives in Scarborough. "A lot of kids have never played," he said. "They're very hyped about it."
He would like to see the sport played competitively at a junior level.
"If we had started this in the 1970s we would have had a great team in the World Cup," he said. "We need to groom our kids much earlier. It's not just a game for South Asians, English or Australians. It's a game for everybody."
Stone said he's all for pushing grass roots cricket in the schools.
"One day our national team will be made up of players who learned cricket in Canada," he said.
Stone said part of the problem with promoting the sport is most people are frightened of it. "It seems so strange and different," he said. "There's a lot of strategy, but the kids are attracted to that. The kids like that they have to do some thinking. It's perceived to be a complicated sport but it's not as much as people think."
It involves the skill of overhand bowling.
"You have to throw with a straight arm overhand bowl," he said. "It doesn't compare to any other sport. It's a very unique action."
That's where the coach has been essential to teach them how to do the overhand bowling properly.
"The students have made great progress not only in their skill but also in understanding the spirit of the game," he said. "All sports have sportsmanship but cricket puts a heavy emphasis on the spirit of the game. It's a gentleman's sport and the tradition of the game is very important."
Cricket will probably never become a major sport like baseball or hockey, John said.
"Cricket will find it's own place," John said. "There should be a variety of sports for everybody and cricket is now a part of that variety."
Article sourced from:-
http://www.scarboroughmirror.com/Sports/Scarborough/article/28540
Etobicoke League and Commonwealth Association Finals this weekend -- Posted Saturday, September 29 2007
The finals of the Etobicoke and District Cricket League are set for Saturday (Sept 29), the Premier and 1st Division championship matches being at Centennial Park, Etobicoke. The two regular season conference leaders, Elmbank and Heartlake meet in the Premier. Young Titans and Cosmos contest the First Division. Samuel Smith park, down by the lakeshore, sees the Division 2 championship between ZCC and Golden Tiger.
Elmbank edged out GT Sports Club in regular season conference play, Heartlake topped Calypso in the other conference.
The Canadian Commonwealth Cricket Association of Toronto has semi-final matches on Saturday in the Premier and First Divisions. The winners then meet on Sunday at the Keele Reservoir grounds (Keele and Steeles Ave West). Play is due to commence at 11 am. Some local councillors are due to attend the post-game presentations.
Stallions (192 runs all out) beat Indo-Pak (180 all out) by 12 runs in the Second Division final.
Manoli won the Scarborough Cricket Association Premier league. Coretec took the second division honours.
Those out west might like to see action in the Victoria and District Cricket Association's 20/20 at Beacon Hill. There are matches on Saturday (Sept 29) with the semi-finals and final on Sunday.
I had heard that Sunnybrook Park, Toronto, might be hosting some inter-bank 20/20 cricket on Saturday (Sept 29). If it goes ahead, I believe some of my playing equipment will be there, even if I am not.
Eddie Norfolk
Etobicoke League and Commonwealth Association Finals -- Posted Saturday, September 29 2007
The finals of the Etobicoke and District Cricket League are set for Saturday (Sept 29), the Premier and 1st Division championship matches being at Centennial Park, Etobicoke. The two regular season conference leaders, Elmbank and Heartlake meet in the Premier. Young Titans and Cosmos contest the First Division. Samuel Smith park, down by the lakeshore, sees the Division 2 championship between ZCC and Golden Tiger.
Elmbank edged out GT Sports Club in regular season conference play, Heartlake topped Calypso in the other conference.
The Canadian Commonwealth Cricket Association of Toronto has semi-final matches on Saturday in the Premier and First Divisions. The winners then meet on Sunday at the Keele Reservoir grounds (Keele and Steeles Ave West). Play is due to commence at 11 am. Some local councillors are due to attend the post-game presentations.
Stallions (192 runs all out) beat Indo-Pak (180 all out) by 12 runs in the Second Division final.
Manoli won the Scarborough Cricket Association Premier league. Coretec took the second division honours.
Those out west might like to see action in the Victoria and District Cricket Association's 20/20 at Beacon Hill. There are matches on Saturday (Sept 29) with the semi-finals and final on Sunday.
I had heard that Sunnybrook Park, Toronto, might be hosting some inter-bank 20/20 cricket on Saturday (Sept 29). If it goes ahead, I believe some of my playing equipment will be there, even if I am not.
Eddie Norfolk
Canada weakened for Kenya/Namibia tour -- Posted Thursday, September 27 2007
The Canadian squad for the forthcoming tour of Kenya and Namibia has been further weakened by more withdrawals.
Already without many leading players - including Ashish Bagai, the captain - the selectors have had to bring in more replacements as a result of unavailability.
Ontario's Moishan Mulla had been called up to stand in for Steve Welsh, but work commitments means that he is now replaced by Calvert Hooper. Arvind Kandappan has been drafted in to replace Bagai and Mohammad Iqbal has also been added to the squad.
A spokesman from the Canada board recently told Cricinfo:
"We were extremely disappointed with the number of non-availabilities for the Kenya and Namibia games, but this is really a fact-of-life with amateur sports, particularly in the North American commercial context."
"While it's obviously disappointing, it does give us an excellent opportunity to assess the performances of players who might not otherwise have been exposed to this level of international competition - which can be helpful in the long-term development of the game here."
The squad leaves for Kenya on October 7.
Canada Sunil Dhaniram (capt), Qaiser Ali (vice-capt), Trevin Bastiampillai, Mohammad Iqbal, Umar Bhatti, Chaudrey Jabbar, Ashif Mulla, Calvert Hooper, Henry Osinde, Krunan Patel, Jason Patraj, Aftab Shamshudeen, Durand Soraine, Arvind Kandappan.
Cricinfo staff
September 27, 2007
Article sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/icccont2007/content/story/312716.html
Victoria International Six a Side -- Posted Wednesday, September 26 2007
Victoria International Six a Side - August 2008
Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia on Canada's Pacific coast, is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is proud of its title as the "City of Gardens" and its reputation for amateur sports in Canada.
The Victoria International Six-A-Side Cricket Festival is scheduled for Victoria for August 2008. The festival, known as VISAS, is held every second year and welcomes teams from around the world to compete in a shortened, fast-paced version of cricket. Traditional cricket is played by teams of 11 players and a match can take anywhere from a few hours to five days to complete. Six-a-side cricket is a modified version of the game (similar perhaps to three-on-three basketball of seven-a-side rugby) which uses fewer players, takes less time and produces a lot of spectacular action.
Over the past 20 years VISAS has had the pleasure of hosting a wide variety of teams from around the world. The festival has welcomed teams from Australia, New Zealand, England, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, the West Indies, Isle of Man, Bangladesh and the Bahamas. In addition, teams from New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston and Dallas have visited from the USA, while Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver have come from across Canada.
Last year the VISAS welcomed teams from Australia (Dapto CC), New Zealand, Italy, the USA (Dallas and Los Angeles) and Vancouver.
The Victoria cricket community celebrated the 20th anniversary of VISAS in grand style with fabulous cricket and is now looking forward to another fine exhibition August, 2008.
Last year the VISAS welcomed teams from Australia (Dapto CC), New Zealand, Italy, the USA (Dallas and Los Angeles) and Vancouver.
The Victoria cricket community celebrated the 20th anniversary of VISAS in grand style with fabulous cricket and is now looking forward to another fine exhibition August, 2008.
Registrations now being taken
Article sourced from:-
http://www.victoriacricket.ca/
First WorldTwenty20 -- Posted Wednesday, September 26 2007
The meteoric success of the first World Twenty20 will not lead to fewer 50-overs-a-side matches, insists the International Cricket Council.
There have been calls to drop the Champions Trophy event following the successful debut of the shorter format and India's eventual victory.
But ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told BBC Sport: "We are committed to the Champions Trophy in 2008 and 2010.
"We have a problem of fitting Twenty20 into the international calendar."
Interview: ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed
There will be another ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009. But Speed claimed 50-over internationals - such as the four-yearly World Cup, the Champions Trophy and most limited-overs series between member nations - would not diminish in importance.
He said: "Everyone is very pleased with the success of the [Twenty20] tournament.
"We thought it would be well received in South Africa, and the reception by the public, the media and the players has exceeded our expectations.
"I don't agree with much of the criticism about the last two World Cups, although some of it is valid.
"But in any event we're very pleased that we've had a very successful event."
The World Cup in the Caribbean earlier in 2007 was criticised for having draconian regulations for spectators and half-empty grounds due to high ticket prices.
At the World Twenty20, tickets were cheap, grounds were full, and the fans were allowed to bring in huge flags - which created a spectacular atmosphere for the final between India and Pakistan.
"There were an amazing number of flags," said Speed.
"We try to learn from previous events; the fans seem to want to bring their flags in, and express their patriotism for their country so it was great to see that."
He acknowledged that the ICC faced a challenge to fit a third format of the game into a calendar already packed with Tests and 50-over internationals.
But he confirmed that the next World Cup would be much shorter, down to five weeks from seven.
In addition, the 2008 Champions Trophy would be completed in just over two weeks.
"We are committed to the Champions Trophy," Speed insisted.
"It will be an eight-team event, with two groups of four - a short, sharp tournament with the best teams playing in Pakistan next year in September. I think that will be a great event.
"It's a terrific problem to have, now we have three forms of the game.
"As cricket administrators we are very committed to Test cricket, the primary form of the game - it's important we preserve and maintain that.
Olympic sport?
"Fifty-over one-day cricket has proved to be very popular -we have just seen in England a seven-match series with sell-outs in every venue.
"So far the policy is that we have limited the number of international Twenty20 matches each team can play - three home matches and four away matches in a year.
"We'll review that but at this stage we are very comfortable with that formula."
Speed did concede that if cricket ever became an Olympic sport, Twenty20 would be the best format.
But his view that the Champions Trophy will continue, albeit in a shortened format, may well still disappoint many observers of the game.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew said on Monday: "I don't see how they can seriously consider running three global tournaments in a four-year cycle.
"Something has to go and hopefully the Champions Trophy will get cut."
But the ICC was roundly applauded for its handling of the World Twenty20.
The Independent's cricket correspondent, Stephen Brenkley, said on Test Match Special: "I would go so far as to say it's world cricket reborn, and most importantly the players have embraced it as well."
Article sourced from:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7010567.stm
Canada appoint first chief executive -- Posted Wednesday, September 26 2007
Businessman Atul Ahuja takes up role as Chief Executive Officer.
The Canadian Cricket Association has appointed its first chief executive following a four-month search. Atul Ahuja, an Indian-born Canadian citizen with extensive business experience, will take up the role on November 1.
Ahuja has held senior level executive positions with several international companies in India, the United States and Canada, most recently with Satyam Computer Services and Intelligroup Inc., both in the information technology field.
In addition, he brings considerable experience from volunteer positions with the Canadian business community, including his recent role as marketing and communications director of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce, during which he participated in trade missions to both India and Pakistan.
Ahuja said: "I'm well aware that there will be many challenges, in many areas - but I'm confident that we'll successfully meet those challenges. I see this as a magnificent opportunity to marry the experience I've been fortunate to gain in the business world with the deep passion [as a player and spectator] I have for the game of cricket."
One of the major challenges continues to be private sector corporate sponsorship. The CCA told Cricinfo that the issue of government funding is "progressing - and Atul's day-to-day presence will certainly help".
The CCA felt that the move was "an absolute necessity."
Their president Ben Sennik said: "The sport of cricket in Canada continues to grow and we're now at the point where a full-time CEO is an absolute necessity. We believe Atul Ahuja's business leadership experience and his skill in generating international and national sponsorship support will move cricket in Canada ahead even further."
The original job spec had suggested that the right candidate would be, ideally, bilingual. While Ahuja does not currently speak French, his business skills and cricket knowledge make him a very good choice.
Article sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/canada/content/story/311792.html
When Bradman came to Canada -- Posted Monday, September 24 2007
When Bradman came to Canada
AR Littlewood
June 24, 2000
A review originally submitted to the Canadian Cricketer
Early in 1932 "Foxy Dean", the captain of Ontario from the Toronto and Parkdale Clubs, requested the retired leg-spin and googly bowler Arthur Mailey to select a team of Australian cricketers for a Goodwill Tour of Canada and the United States that was to be subsidised largely by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Mailey had two main problems: obtaining the approval of the Australian Board of Control that since the revolt of the "Big Six" in 1912 had forbidden any first-class cricketer to tour without its permission; and fulfilling the only Canadian stipulation, viz. that the party must include D.G. Bradman, the only man who had ever held the record individual scores in both first-class and test cricket (a feat now equalled by B.C. Lara). Mailey managed to overcome the first problem by accepting some stringent conditions, but how was he to overcome the second? Bradman had just accepted employment from three different organizations and was due to marry on April 3Oth. Fortunately a deal was arranged with his employers and Jessie Menzies agreed to accept the tour as a honeymoon, although her husband-to-be was to play in 49 of the 51 matches arranged in a tour of 76 days. North America thus became the only part of the world outside Australia, England, Scotland, Wales and Ceylon to have the privilege of seeing the Don bat.
John McKenzie, the cricket bookseller, has recently published the only account of this tour. It has been written by Ric Sissons, who is probably best known for his The Players: a Social History of the Professional Cricketer. The book includes a foreword by Sir Donald Bradman, an introductory chapter on the organization of the tour and the composition of the party, a description of the tour, reflexions on the tour, results and averages, and sixteen photographs (although not one is of cricket). Annexed to the book are facsimile reprints of the lengthy brochures put out to celebrate the tour by the Illinois Cricket Association and the Canadian authorities in British Columbia.
The tour was clearly a very happy one; and one even happier in retrospect after the grim battle of the "Bodyline Tour" that began less than one month after the return of the Australian players. They played mainly in Canada, in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, with trips to New York, Detroit, Chicago and California. Even though all the matches, except for two in Canada, were of one day's duration there were two innings a side whenever time allowed. The Australians won 4 matches outright, won a further 39 on first innings, drew 7 and lost just one (on first innings) against a Mainland All Stars XV at Brockton Point, Vancouver, which Bradman was moved to say was "surely the prettiest ground in the world". The opposing bowling was usually not very taxing, but even so Bradman's average for the tour, for 3777 runs, was at 102.08 only just above his Test average (99.96) and the captain Vic Richardson averaged only 33.65. The bowling figures were another matter, McCabe taking 189 at 6.02, Fleetwood- Smith 238 at 7.51 and Mailey 203 at 8.64. Bradman himself took six wickets including a hat-trick in one 8-ball over in Victoria. The only century scored against the tourists was Clark Bell's 109 not out at Ridley College. Pitches were of variable type and often of poor quality and both sides had on occasion to contend with the vagaries of inexperienced officials. There are two wonderfully bizarre stories in the book, both in Bradman's foreword. In high wind at Moose Jaw the bails were stuck onto the stumps with chewing gum, and the umpire waited an inordinately long time in giving the verdict for a stumping since he claimed that the batsman could not be out until the bail, hanging by a slender thread of gum, had reached the ground. To Bradman's suggestion in another match that the non-striker's umpire could not give an L.B. W. decision from a couple of feet wide of the wicket he received the reply, "You wait and see": he did not have long to wait before he was thus given , out himself, wishing "that I had kept my mouth shut".
There is little description in the book of the actual cricket, but a few quotations from local newspapers whet the appetite for more. One reporter's sentence was memorably lost in admiration: "Run ragged by the heavy flailing of Bradman who mixed his hard drives with dexterous taps to the slips and the side boundaries, carefully placing his strokes out of the reach of the Montreal defence, arrayed about the sward in a curtain of white flannel calculated to cut down and interrupt the famous Antipodean bat-and-run manufactory ."
In addition to their cricketing responsibilities the Australians had a full social calendar. The book takes its name, The Don Meets the Babe, from the Australians' visit to the New York Yankee stadium, where "the two greatest hitters of a ball in the history of sport met" as Don Bradman was entertained by Babe Ruth in the latter's private box. Has Bradman, in his criticism of modern one-day cricket, even been haunted, I wonder, by memory of words spoken on that occasion: "in two hours or so the (baseball) match is finished. Yes, cricket could learn a lot from baseball. There is more snap and dash to baseball" ? Inevitably the Australians were taken to dine in view of Niagara Falls, but their social highlight was their time at Hollywood where they toured the film sets and met many of the stars, including Clark Gable and Jean Harlow who were shooting Red Dust, but even here they earned their keep by playing four matches against Hollywood teams that included an ex-England Test captain in Aubrey "Round-the-Corner" Smith and a wicketkeeper called Boris Karloff.
Ric Sissons' book is beautifully produced, is attractively written with, by today's standards, unusually logical punctuation and is full of things to interest the Canadian cricketer. The names Arthur Mailey and Don Bradman should be reversed in the caption to plate 3, Bradman's and McCabe's highest scores should be, respectively, 260 and 150, not 26 and 15 (p. 58). In the list of results (pp. 53-57) the odds against the Australians are not always given, e.g. against North California All Stars at San Fransisco (sic) on August 20th the opposition must have had more than eleven players since in the two innings McCabe, Mailey and Fleetwood-Smith took 25 wickets between them.
Ric Sissons, The Don Meets the Babe, Ewell, 1995, (125 pages with 16 plates and other text illustrations), is available from J.W. McKenzie, 12 Stoneleigh Park Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 OQT, England at 18 pounds sterling for the Ordinary Edition or 55 pounds for the Limited Edition autographed by Sir Donald Bradman and the author.
© AR Littlewood
Nineteen thirty two was an eventful year in the life of Donald Bradman. In April he married his long-time sweetheart Jessie. That was followed by run-ins with the cricketing authorities, and the small matter of being the target of Bodyline.
In the middle of the year, the Don went on an "extended honeymoon" - a tour that gave the people of Canada and the USA the privilege of watching him bat; an opportunity those in neighbouring New Zealand didn't ever get.
The tour was the brainchild of Arthur Mailey, the Australian legspinner. Mailey was the perfect salesman. He knew cricket's popularity was on the wane in America, and that the Don would be an unknown entity. So he used associations with baseball, perhaps the most popular sport in the USA then, and the most similar to cricket, to cash in. Bradman was billed as the Babe Ruth of cricket; fitting, because the "Sultan of Swat" himself could best be described as the "Bradman of baseball".
On the guarantee that the Don would tour, Mailey secured financial support from the Canadian Pacific Railway Corporation. Bradman insisted on Jessie accompanying him. The request was accepted, and the Bradmans, with 11 other players - including the captain, Vic Richardson, Stan McCabe, Chuck Fleetwood-Smith, and Mailey - set sail on May 26 from Sydney on the Niagara. Roland Pope, an opthalmologist and former Test cricketer who used to accompany Australian teams of the time on their tours as a sort of medical officer, was part of the party; his usually voluminous luggage was "restricted" to 36 bags.
Suva in Fiji was the first stop, but rain ruined a scheduled match. Bradman had a visitor in Edward Thakabou, a famed local left-arm fast bowler. The 6' 3" Thakabou was hardly impressed by Bradman, who stood 5' 8" in his size-six boots.
On June 16 the group reached Victoria in Vancouver, Canada. The next day they faced a team of the Cowichan club - for whom 18 batted and 11 fielded - in Duncan. The tourists piled up 503 for 8 in reply to the home side's 194. Richardson and Bradman added 50 runs in seven minutes, while McCabe made 150 - including a hit that resulted in a fracture for an opposition player's wife, though only a minor bone in the leg. The lady might have been better off had she been injured in the next game, by when the organisers had taken the precaution of insuring spectators. Bradman the bowler took centre stage in that match, picking up six wickets in an eight-ball over, though he missed a hat-trick.
Bradman the batsman reigned in the town of Guelph. His 260 against a Western Ontario XVIII was a record score on Canadian soil, and stood for 58 years as such. In a subsequent match, "Spark" Bell, one of Canada's finest batsmen of the time, made 109, the only century scored by a local player throughout the tour.
Brockton Park, which Bradman described as "without question the most beautiful ground in the world", was where the Australians suffered their only loss of the tour, an 18-run defeat against the local team. It was here, too, that Mailey lured a batsman to try hitting him out of the park for the prize of a cigar. The batsman connected on the first one, but was then caught in the outfield as he attempted to double his reward.
More one-sided matches followed in Montreal, before the Australians left for New York, where in the game at Innisfail Park, Bradman was dismissed for a duck. That sparked off a celebration, with the delighted (and rather opportunistic) bowler circling the boundary and collecting a hatful of dollars from sporting spectators. In the same game, Sammy Carter, a former Australian wicketkeeper, was hit in the eye, which ultimately led to the loss of sight in it.
Also in New York, Bradman met Babe Ruth on the sidelines of a Yankees game. "Us little fellows could hit them harder than the big ones," Ruth told the Don, who stumped his host by spotting a "double play".
The tourists then touched Detroit where in one game, the umpires couldn't agree on whether to play under MCC or Australian rules, and so one called six to the over and the other eight before Richardson intervened.
The next stop for the Australians was Chicago before they headed back to Canada, where grasshoppers wreaked havoc during a game against a combined Canadian team in Winnipeg.
At a game played in Moose Jaw, Bill Ive picked up 11 for 23. Seventeen players batted for the locals and no fewer than 14 bowled at the visitors, a baseball-like scenario. At Yorkton, a batsman who was hit on the thumb by McCabe hopped about in pain - so much so that his false teeth dropped to the ground.
A few more matches were played in Canada before the Australians headed south again, this time to San Francisco, where they played against a Northern California All-Stars team in the empty 70,000-capacity Kezar Stadium. The All-Stars were a flop: Bradman's accounts say that the 15 men mustered only 20 and 33 in their two knocks; the Australians raked up 268 for 2 declared. Bradman had a great outing in the field, picking up three catches and four run-outs in their first innings.
One newspaper report gave a bit more credit to the home team, though it admitted that "local wickets fell like the price of stock". The writer used terms such as "Dynamite Don", "the bambino of cricket" (Ruth being the "Great Bambino" himself), and "the antipodean slugger" to describe Bradman.
A visit to Hollywood was next, and Sir Charles Aubrey Smith, captain of England's 1889 team in their first Test against South Africa, now turned film star, led an XI against the visitors. The team also met the cast of The Mask of Fu Manchu and Bradman visited the home of actor Leslie Howard.
On the return trip, the Australians stopped at Wellington in New Zealand. A match was to be played but the weather didn't permit it. A late decision to hold an exhibition game the following day was not conveyed to the Bradmans, who had already set off on a sightseeing trip with Fleetwood-Smith. The locals thus missed out on watching the Don, with two standing in for the Australian absentees. One of them was Eric Tindill, who was to go on to become a unique double-double international, playing and officiating at the highest level in cricket and rugby. Bradman didn't ever play in New Zealand.
The touring party reached Australia on September 23, four months after their journey began. Overall, Bradman scored 3779 runs at 102 in 51 matches, including 18 centuries, while McCabe scored 2361 runs and took 189 wickets. The Don, whose Test fee was around £25 at the time, received £100 as a fee for the tour - 51 games in 75 days covering a distance of 10,000 kms through North America - besides a daily allowance. The lesser known players had to bear their expenses. In his autobiography Farewell to Cricket, Bradman talks of the tour, saying, "It had been far too strenuous, but nevertheless it was placid compared with the storm that lay ahead, and of which at that time we had scarcely heard the rumblings."
The tour was Jessie Bradman's first visit overseas. Soon her husband would face the toughest test of his career: up against England, led by Douglas Jardine, on a mission to regain the Ashes, with Bodyline the weapon to contain the "Babe Ruth" of cricket.
Article written by
Mathew Varghese an editorial assistant with Cricinfo
Located at:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/310792.html
Adastrians win Quebec Cricket Championship -- Posted Sunday, September 23 2007
Montreal (Sept 22): Adastrians beat Pak-Can by 98 runs to retain the Quebec Cricket Federation Championship on Saturday at Raymond Park, La Salle, Montreal. Adastrians batted first but lost early wickets, struggling to 44 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, three being taken by Pak-Can opening bowler Mehboob. Adastrians recovered to make 227 runs, a potentially beatable target, but after a breezy opening stand of 35 runs, Pak-Can was dismissed for 129 runs.
The opening bowlers Malik and Mehboob had both openers out, with just 9 runs on the board.
Canadian international, Qaiser Ali came through with a century, mostly made during a pivotal fifth wicket partnership of 136 runs with Ahmer Sultan. Sultan was bowled one short of a half-century. A useful knock of 34 runs not out by Vinod Takar helped carry the total to 227 runs all out.
Mehboob ended with 3 wickets for 48 runs and Shafeeq took 3 wickets for 41 runs.
Pak-Can's innings began brightly with attacking shots from both openers but the stand of 35 runs eventually proved to be the pinnacle of the team's batting fortunes. Kashif was bowled by Sulthan for 17 runs, who then bowled Mumbashir for 12. Faisal fell to Asim Ijaj and it was 41 runs for 3 wickets. Sabir, Malik and Sajid each got off to a start, but none went on to score more than 20 runs. Pak-Can was dismissed for 129 runs and lost by 98 runs.
Ijaz ended with 3 wickets for 17 runs and Jabbar had a tidy spell of 3 wickets for 11 runs that largely closed off the match.
Pak-Can showed promise against an experienced side that had been in devastating form with the bat as the Quebec season concluded. Adastrians had blasted 446 runs for 8 wickets against Pakistan CC on Sept 9, and 416 runs for 8 wickets against Suave on Sept 16. Cavaliers even threw in the towel during the 23rd over against Adastrians on Sept 15. This came as Jabbar reached 150 runs not out and the total was rolling up in the 200s!
Indeed, Pak-Can's opening bowlers came close to removing Ali for no score, and almost no score. He fended the first ball he faced into the air but it fell safe near the wicket. He was challenged by the second ball and next over gave a low caught and bowled chance. When well set, he fiercly drove the ball back and winded the bowler. In baseball, the bravery of the pitcher would be praised but in cricket it was a missed chance. From my vantage point behind the bowler's arm, I could not tell if it was technically a dropped catch but it became obvious the ball hammered into the bowler with some force.
C'est la vie, as some of them say in these parts. C'est le cricket! And the ICC even has a version of the leaflet “This is cricket” en Francais/in French. Au revoir mes amis, a la prochaine!
The Ottawa Valley Cricket Council championship game took place in Ottawa on Sunday September 22. Best wishes to them and hopefully the game will be available via a community cable channel at some stage so I and others could take a look. The Ottawa Valley has done it before. If you don't make a start, how do you ever move on to the next stages of improvement?
Eddie Norfolk
Montreal,
Sept 23' 07
Brampton Masters powers to Toronto and District Cricket Championship -- Posted Friday, September 21 2007
Brampton Masters powers to Toronto and District Cricket Championship
- Cowichan and Millwoods win in Victoria and Edmonton
Toronto (Sept 21): Brampton Masters captured the Toronto and District Cricket Association Premier Championship with a powerful 164-run win over Toronto CC. Opening batsman Albert Gopie (58 runs), Brent Lezama (53 runs) and Henry Osinde (5 wickets for 21 runs) spearheaded this success.
Masters beat Vikings, and Toronto eclipsed Yorkshire CC in the semi-finals. Lezama had top-scored with 60 runs against Vikings. Toronto had edged out Masters in the regular-season Pompey conference standings. Vikings had topped the Ward Conference.
Cowichan strode to the Victoria and District Cricket Association (Vancouver Island, British Columbia) title with a 7-wicket win over Albion. Daniel Vann hit an undefeated 127 runs in the playoff final, after making 79 runs not out in the semi-final win against Colts. Vann’s innings included 17 fours and 8 six-hits.
Millwoods took the Edmonton and District Cricket League (Alberta) Premier Playoff final with a 108-run win over regular-season leaders Victoria Park.
All three finals took place on Sunday September 16, after semi-finals the previous day. Cricket action continues in several leagues and associations across the country this coming weekend.
Note: The Cowichan-Meraloma Tomlin Cup match to decide the British Columbia provincial cricket champions, originally due for this Saturday (Sept 22) has been postponed to May 2008.
-------details of the 3 main playoffs and the continuing action follow------
Brampton Masters powers to Toronto & District Premier Title
Brampton Masters romped to a 164-run win over Toronto CC in the final of the Toronto and District Cricket Association Premier Division playoffs. Masters opening batsman Albert Gopie set the tone with 58 runs, ably assisted by 53 runs from Brent Lezama, en route to a total of 252 runs for 8 wickets in 50 overs. Jason Mohammed chipped in with 45 runs and Vishnu Narine fired 30 runs not out as the innings closed.
Opening bowler Henry Osinde then stepped up to take 5 wickets for 21 runs as Toronto was routed for 88 runs in 29.4 overs. Canadian junior international Pratik Patel made 27 runs, batting at number eight for Toronto. Skipper Akshay Bagai (11 runs) was the only other Toronto player to reach double figures.
The result reverses the regular season standings in the Pompey conference, where Toronto had edged out Masters by just 2 points. Still, it will rank as a useful season for Toronto, who lacked Ashish Bagai in the second part of the campaign, can look to matches such as useful win over the experienced Centurions at Ross Lord Park in his absence. Zubin Surkari had made a solid half-century in the semi-final win against Yorkshire.
Masters has a strong line-up, as shown by the win over the touring Powergen club from Trinidad and Tobago. Indeed, the line-up has several Trinidadian connections.
Playoffs in the first, second and third divisions of the Toronto and District are due to conclude this weekend with semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday (September 23), mostly at Maple Leaf CC, King City. The two third division semi-finals on Saturday are at Toronto’s G. Ross Lord Park.
Vann blasts Cowichan to Victoria and District Championship
Daniel Vann had an excellent weekend for Cowichan to steer his club to the Victoria and District Cricket Association championship (Vancouver Island, British Columbia). Vann domintated with 127 runs not out in the final to cement a 7 wicket win against Albion. Earlier he took 3 wickets for 49 runs as Albion was bowled out for 191 runs in 34.1 overs. Vann's attacking batting saw victory in less than 20 overs. Nel Lucien helped the victory charge with 42 runs not out.
Lucien’s innings was at close to one run per ball but Vann surged to 127 runs off 54 balls, including 17 fours and eight sixes at the Beacon Hill ground.
Vann had lead the way in Saturday's semi-final success over Colts when making 79 runs not out in another 7 wicket win. Colts had topped the regular season standings in the VDCA.
Albion had overcome the second-placed regular season side Carico to reach Sunday's final (Sept 16).
Cowichan will faces Meraloma of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League in the Tomlin Cup, BC’s provincial cricket championship. This match has been postponed to May 2008. The Tomlin Cup winner then represents British Columbia in the Western Section of the John Ross Robertson Trophy, the Canadian club championship.
Millwoods take Edmonton Premier Title
Millwoods won the Premier division playoffs in the Edmonton and District Cricket League (Alberta) with a 108 run win over Victoria Park. Millwoods tallied 206 runs before closing out Victoria Park for 98 runs.
Millwoods, having placed third in the regular season, had to beat Elites (second in the regular season) in the semi-final game before meeting regular-season standings leaders Victoria Park.
Millwoods will face the Calgary and District Cricket League Champions in the Alberta Championship game, the Nolan Cup. The Calgary league goes down to the wire this coming weekend.
Rising Stars won the Edmonton and District First Division title, beating Edmonton CC in the playoff final.
Elsewhere in the Canadian leagues and associations
The Quebec Cricket Federation has a playoff between Adastrians and PakCan on Saturday (Sept 22) at Parc Raymond Park, La Salle, Montreal, to decide the Premier Champions. The Senior A and B divisions conclude with the two final rounds of league games on Saturday and Sunday in the Montreal area.
The Calgary and District Cricket League is set for an exciting conclusion with CanAsia and St John's both on 42 points. Predators are just 3 points behind the leading duo and meet St John's while CanAsia wrap-up the season with a match against Crown. Last season's Calgary league had a similarly tight battle for honours.
Cricketing action continues in the Greater Toronto Area with playoff action in the Etobicoke, Commonwealth and Scarborough leagues.
Eddie Norfolk
The First West Indies Cricket Tour: Canada and the United States in 1886 -- Posted Wednesday, September 19 2007
The First West Indies Cricket Tour: Canada and the United States in 1886
HILARY McD. BECKLES (ed.), The First West Indies Cricket Tour: Canada and the United States in 1886, Jamaica, Canoe Press, 2006. Pp. lxii, 78, with 15 plates and one map.
Cricket historians must unreservedly welcome this reprint of L.R. Fyfe’s account of the first West Indian foreign cricket tour, which took place, as a recent discovery shows, 129 years after the game was first recorded in the territories (in Antigua). The booklet was originally published by The Argosy Press of Demerara (now Guyana) in 1887, and consists largely of scorecards of the nine 11-a-side and four 12-a-side matches with often fairly full contemporary newspaper reports (pp. 18-71). Appended are detailed statistics (which, however, ignore the five players drafted into the team before the arrival of the contingents from Demerara and Barbados), thumb-nail sketches of the 14 West Indian players and interesting concluding comments on the initial derisory attitude towards the enterprise in the West Indies, the personal financial costs of the tour and hopes for the future by Guy Wyatt, the captain of the Demeraran club St George’s. The booklet’s preface (3-17) by Fyfe, the Jamaican captain, treats of the origins of the tour and, as was the custom with accounts of early tours, the team’s entertainment, the second of the menus (in Ottawa) making for especially fascinating reading. Aside from a few humorous comments on the amorous propensities of some team-members, Fyfe’s gentlemanly remarks are only of gratitude and praise for his hosts, as he avoids the at times acerbic comments that make the classic tour-book of North America by R.A. Fitzgerald, Wickets in the West, so entertaining.
This reprint, which contains a welcoming forward by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic, Peter MacKay, and was deliberately timed for the World One-Day Cup in the West Indies in 2007 (x), is the happy brain-child of Hilary Beckles, a Professor of Economic and Social History, Pro Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados, and author of a two-volume history of West Indian cricket. He himself provides an introduction concerning the conception of the tour, the reasons for the lack of celebration of its centenary and the West Indian, Canadian and U.S. backgrounds to the tour. We thus find material on cricket in North America which is probably new to his West Indian readership, but which should be largely well-known to North American cricket historians (I do find valuable his list of 78 clubs known to have been established in Canada between 1870 and 1894, but wish for information on their longevity) and much interesting material on the West Indies for all others interested in cricket. His bibliography is particularly useful, although the absence of the standard work on U.S. cricket, J.A. Lester’s A Century of Philadephia Cricket, is unaccountably missing.
There are, unfortunately, factual errors, which could have been easily avoided by recourse to standard reference works. Charles Bannerman was not “holder of the record for the first century in Australia” (xxxii), an honour earned, as far as surviving records show, by F.A. Paulett, who scored 120 in Melbourne as early as 1839, although Bannerman did score the game’s first-ever test century as well as the first centuries ever made by an “Australian” (he was English by birth) in Canada, England and New Zealand. Daft’s team to North America in 1879 did not include “Marylebone Cricket Club star players such as Sydney Barnes …” (xxxiii), who was only six years old at the time and would have greeted this description of himself with a grim smile, but the Nottinghamshire professional William Barnes. The strangest error is Beckles’ statement, in his explanation as to why Canadians paid little heed to the centenary of the West Indies tour, that they were far more interested in the football world cup in Mexico, there being “national remorse” (surely the wrong word) “when Canada placed runner-up to the United States, and went down 1 to 0 to France, and 2 to 0 to Hungary” (xxi). Far from winning the cup, as these words imply, the United States did not even qualify as one of the final 24 teams in Mexico, and Canadians, thrilled that their team did, were saddened by the fact that it subsequently failed to score a single goal (their other loss was 2 to 0 to the U.S.S.R). Football had nothing to do with the ignoring of the centenary: few Canadians cared for cricket, and only a very small percentage of those who did were aware of that anniversary.
The main purpose of Beckles’ introduction is to fit this tour, which perhaps gave inspiration to the combination of different colonies (and, later, sovereign countries) into a single sporting entity, into the social and economic history of the area; and herein lies much material of considerable importance. Beckles is rightly proud of the team’s performance (it won four and lost only one of its matches in Canada, whilst against the stronger U.S. teams it lost four and won two, one match being left drawn in each country, since cricket was, as he makes clear, far better organized in North America (especially in the U.S.A.) than in the West Indian islands (and Demerara). His remarks, nonetheless, are not always quite as impartially balanced as one expects from an historian. The touring party was, it must be admitted, not the best possible: there were, for instance, no Trindadians and, as Beckles says, no blacks, for that would have been socially impossible and it is highly unlikely that any competent cricketing black could have afforded to make the tour (xiii), and Fyfe regrets that four “excellent cricketers” from Demerara unfortunately declined the invitation (3-4). But this is not the same as Beckles’ claim that “the best men did not make the team” (xiii): who, specifically, should have been included (apart from the Demeraran four) ? what blacks at the time would have strengthened the team ? Another instance of lack of balance occurs in his claim that the Philadelphian club Belmont’s appointment of a Derbyshire County player to coach and play was “in order to create a cadre of professionals” (xlviii. This is a little misleading, for while Arthur Wood and other Englishmen were hired in Philadephia as professionals, the local players were amateurs, as the name, Gentlemen of Philadelphia, of their touring teams to England indicates), but yet he is silent over the fact that by far the most successful West Indian batsman, Jack Lees, learned his cricket at Uppingham School and Cambridge University and played also for Cambridgeshire. In addition Beckles argues that whereas in the West Indies after emancipation there was little money available for cricket clubs, “Canadian and American cricketers were spared such concerns for at least another decade. Anti-slavery forces had not yet taken control of the national sensibility. Cricket continued to flourish within the white communities while enslaved blacks laboured in the mines, fields and forests” (xxix). Economic conditions were assuredly far worse in the West Indians than in Canada, but since slavery was abolished in the latter only three years after it had been in the British West Indies, this argument on its own seems a little forced (and Canadian emancipation occurred no fewer than 45 years before the tour took place).
In two separate parts of his introduction Beckles correctly emphasizes the devastating effects in the West Indies of the English Sugar Duties Act of 1847 and later pieces of legislation which destroyed the privileged position of the sugar planters: but he claims that “In 1886, in a desperate act of self-help, the planters sent out a cricket team to Canada and the United States to see what it could do” (i.e. to attract new markets for their product, xviii). This may well be true, but the only whiff of any financial side to the tour that I can find in the original book is that a Mr W. Hussy Fyfe (a relation of the writer ?) was with the party and represented the Sun Life Assurance Society of Montreal (4): otherwise there is nothing to suggest that the tour was other than a sporting venture originating in a suggestion by the Demeraran member Guy Wyatt (3). If indeed a commercial purpose was the deliberate mainspring of the tour (one would expect the socializing of planter-tourists and hosts to have naturally engendered some economic discussions), I should have welcomed such very important evidence, especially in a book furnished as this is in scholarly fashion with references to identify sources of information. In any case to state that the “team [was] tailored to reflect the crumbling economic environment of the time” (xiii) impugns the memory of a band of gay adventurers.
The book is very nicely produced, the soft cover reproducing the only known engraving (from Harper’s Weekly) of a match from the tour. Within are the photograph of the team-members, illustrations of nineteenth-century North American cricket unrelated to the tour and a map of the Philadelphian clubs. Beckles’ English is at times marred by zeal for internal rhymes (e.g. “pain of cane … the chill of Canadian plains” [xix]), alliteration (e.g.“crippled though not cremated” [xi, which conjures up for me an image of suttee]; “campaign to catapult men out of their crease” [xii]; “mendicant minds of merchants”; “spontaneously sponsor sober reflection” [both xix]), forced imagery (e.g. the tour was a “’farce’ … doomed before it climbed on deck, and destined to lower curtains on a vulnerable people already engaged in the annual ritual exercise of erecting shutters against the ill winds of hurricanes” [xii]) and, for me, the use of “agenda” as a singular (xliv), and “cannons” for “cannon” as a plural (xl). Some expressions may perhaps be common in Barbados, but strike North American and English ears strangely (e.g. “pull his pocket” [xiii]; “divided to the vein” [xiv]). Typographical errors are kept to a minimum, although Beckles’ “very minor editorial changes” (xvi) do not include correction of Fyfe’s “Chamblay” (6) to “Chambly”, and perhaps uncritical reliance on a “spell-check” allows “empires” (xv) for “umpires”.
A.R. Littlewood
Professor Emeritus,
University of Western Ontario
Research Interests:
Byzantine Literature, Byzantine Gardens, Greek Palaeography, Roman Satire and Cricket
B.C. Mainland Cricket League - Extra-Ordinary General Meeting -- Posted Tuesday, September 18 2007
An Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of the B.C. Mainland Cricket League will be held at 6:30 p.m. on September 24, 2007, at the Executive Hotel and Conference Centre, 4201 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, BC. The purpose of the meeting is to consider changes to the League Constitution regarding voting rules at General Meetings, as directed by the club delegates at the March 2007 meeting. Registration will commence at 6pm. To register, photo identification (i.e. current passport, driver's license, school ID card, or other official document providing photo identification) must be presented.
At the March 2007 meeting of Club Delegates of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League was directed by the clubs via majority vote to call an Extraordinary General Meeting to consider changes to the League’s Constitution regarding voting rules at General Meetings.
Specifically the League was instructed to draw up changes that would allow for representative voting whereby a club spokesperson will vote on behalf of the members of that club and shall be entitled to one vote for each team that the club has in the League. For example, this year, Richmond CC would be entitled to 6 votes, West Coast Tamils CC would have 4 votes, etc.
The purpose of this change is to streamline the voting process at General Meetings. It is not intended to deprive individual members attending such meetings, raising questions or participating in debates. Indeed such attendance and participation is actively encouraged by the League.
For reference the current text of the appropriate section of the current Constitution and the proposed changes are listed below.
Existing text :
Part VII – Proceedings at General Meetings
39. Special business is
(a) all business at an extraordinary general meeting except
(b) all business transacted at an annual general meeting as follows:
(i) the adoption of rules of order;
(ii) the consideration of financial statements;
(iii) the report of the officers;
(iv) the report of the treasurer;
(v) the election of officers and honorary officers;
(vi) the other business that, under these By-laws, ought to be transacted at an annual general meeting, or business which is brought under consideration by the Management Committee.
40. (1) No business other than the election of a chairperson and the adjournment or termination of the meeting shall be conducted at a general meeting at a time when a quorum is not present.
(2) If at any time during a general meeting there ceases to be a quorum present, business then in progress shall be suspended until there is a quorum present or until the meeting is adjourned or terminated.
(3) A quorum is fifty (50) members present in good standing and entitled to vote.
41. If, within half an hour after the time appointed for any general meeting, a quorum is not present, that meeting, if convened on the requisition of members, shall be terminated; but in any other case it shall stand adjourned or terminated and reconvened.
42. Subject to By-law 43, the president of the League, the first vice-president, or the second vice-president shall preside, or in the absence of these officers, the members present shall choose one of their numbers to be a chairperson.
43. If, at a general meeting,
(a) there is no president or vice-presidents present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting; or
(b) the president, the first vice-president and the second vice-president present are unwilling to preside, then the members present shall choose one of their numbers to be a chairperson.
44. No debate shall be permitted save on a motion regularly moved and seconded.
45. (1) Every playing member of a club with the League in good standing, officers and honorary officers and official umpires and scorers present in person shall have one vote each at a general meeting.
(2) Voting shall be by ballot.
(3) Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.
(4) All questions and matters at a general meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes.
(5) In the case of an equality of votes the president or a chairperson shall have a casting vote.
46. Questions of order arising at all meetings of the League not otherwise provided for in the By-laws shall be decided by the president or a chairperson subject to a resolution to appeal to the meeting and shall be disposed of according to Robert’s Parliamentary Rules of Order.
47. No such resolution shall be passed unless the same is carried by the votes of not less than three-fourths of those present and entitled to vote.
Proposed changes:
40. (3) A quorum is any number of representatives of clubs that are in good standing entitled to thirty (30) votes.
45. (1) Any club in good standing referred to in Part II – Membership herein is entitled to one vote at a meeting of members for each team that is registered with the League.
A representative of the umpires and scorers association is entitled to one vote.
Meraloma thrash Richmond -- Posted Tuesday, September 18 2007
Meraloma thrash Richmond in BC final
Cricinfo staff
September 18, 2007
Meraloma won the play-offs of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League, beating Richmond by 163 runs.
Meraloma batted their opponents out of the match by posting 245 for 5 in their 50 overs. A third-wicket stand of 138 between Jason Sandher (61) and Andrew Downs (58*) was the cornerstone of the innings, although it ended when Downs had to retire hurt with a broken hand.
Richmond were never in the hunt and were bowled out for 82 in 32.3 overs. Iain Dixon (4 for 19) did the early damage along with Kevin Sandher (3 for 10).
Article sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/canada/content/story/311428.html
Adastrians CC of Montreal -- Posted Tuesday, September 18 2007
Adastrians won the toss and batted first
Adastrians CC 446 / 8 loss of wickets (Qaiser Ali 264 N.O. Ahmer Sultan 75 Abdul Jabbar 64, Yousuf 115/3 Tanveer 46/2))
Pakistan CC 146 All Out (Aksi Khan 43, Shahzad Noor 31 Asim Ijaz 10/2 Munir 39/3 Raheem 5/3)
Adastrians Won by 300 runs.
Subrata Mandel
(Is this a club record in Canada? JH)
When the Don met the Babe -- Posted Monday, September 17 2007
Nineteen thirty two was an eventful year in the life of Donald Bradman. In April he married his long-time sweetheart Jessie. That was followed by run-ins with the cricketing authorities, and the small matter of being the target of Bodyline.
In the middle of the year, the Don went on an "extended honeymoon" - a tour that gave the people of Canada and the USA the privilege of watching him bat; an opportunity those in neighbouring New Zealand didn't ever get.
The tour was the brainchild of Arthur Mailey, the Australian legspinner. Mailey was the perfect salesman. He knew cricket's popularity was on the wane in America, and that the Don would be an unknown entity. So he used associations with baseball, perhaps the most popular sport in the USA then, and the most similar to cricket, to cash in. Bradman was billed as the Babe Ruth of cricket; fitting, because the "Sultan of Swat" himself could best be described as the "Bradman of baseball".
On the guarantee that the Don would tour, Mailey secured financial support from the Canadian Pacific Railway Corporation. Bradman insisted on Jessie accompanying him. The request was accepted, and the Bradmans, with 11 other players - including the captain, Vic Richardson, Stan McCabe, Chuck Fleetwood-Smith, and Mailey - set sail on May 26 from Sydney on the Niagara. Roland Pope, an opthalmologist and former Test cricketer who used to accompany Australian teams of the time on their tours as a sort of medical officer, was part of the party; his usually voluminous luggage was "restricted" to 36 bags.
Suva in Fiji was the first stop, but rain ruined a scheduled match. Bradman had a visitor in Edward Thakabou, a famed local left-arm fast bowler. The 6' 3" Thakabou was hardly impressed by Bradman, who stood 5' 8" in his size-six boots.
On June 16 the group reached Victoria in Vancouver, Canada. The next day they faced a team of the Cowichan club - for whom 18 batted and 11 fielded - in Duncan. The tourists piled up 503 for 8 in reply to the home side's 194. Richardson and Bradman added 50 runs in seven minutes, while McCabe made 150 - including a hit that resulted in a fracture for an opposition player's wife, though only a minor bone in the leg. The lady might have been better off had she been injured in the next game, by when the organisers had taken the precaution of insuring spectators. Bradman the bowler took centre stage in that match, picking up six wickets in an eight-ball over, though he missed a hat-trick.
Bradman the batsman reigned in the town of Guelph. His 260 against a Western Ontario XVIII was a record score on Canadian soil, and stood for 58 years as such. In a subsequent match, "Spark" Bell, one of Canada's finest batsmen of the time, made 109, the only century scored by a local player throughout the tour.
Brockton Park, which Bradman described as "without question the most beautiful ground in the world", was where the Australians suffered their only loss of the tour, an 18-run defeat against the local team. It was here, too, that Mailey lured a batsman to try hitting him out of the park for the prize of a cigar. The batsman connected on the first one, but was then caught in the outfield as he attempted to double his reward.
More one-sided matches followed in Montreal, before the Australians left for New York, where in the game at Innisfail Park, Bradman was dismissed for a duck. That sparked off a celebration, with the delighted (and rather opportunistic) bowler circling the boundary and collecting a hatful of dollars from sporting spectators. In the same game, Sammy Carter, a former Australian wicketkeeper, was hit in the eye, which ultimately led to the loss of sight in it.
Also in New York, Bradman met Babe Ruth on the sidelines of a Yankees game. "Us little fellows could hit them harder than the big ones," Ruth told the Don, who stumped his host by spotting a "double play".
The tourists then touched Detroit where in one game, the umpires couldn't agree on whether to play under MCC or Australian rules, and so one called six to the over and the other eight before Richardson intervened.
The next stop for the Australians was Chicago before they headed back to Canada, where grasshoppers wreaked havoc during a game against a combined Canadian team in Winnipeg.
At a game played in Moose Jaw, Bill Ive picked up 11 for 23. Seventeen players batted for the locals and no fewer than 14 bowled at the visitors, a baseball-like scenario. At Yorkton, a batsman who was hit on the thumb by McCabe hopped about in pain - so much so that his false teeth dropped to the ground.
A few more matches were played in Canada before the Australians headed south again, this time to San Francisco, where they played against a Northern California All-Stars team in the empty 70,000-capacity Kezar Stadium. The All-Stars were a flop: Bradman's accounts say that the 15 men mustered only 20 and 33 in their two knocks; the Australians raked up 268 for 2 declared. Bradman had a great outing in the field, picking up three catches and four run-outs in their first innings.
One newspaper report gave a bit more credit to the home team, though it admitted that "local wickets fell like the price of stock". The writer used terms such as "Dynamite Don", "the bambino of cricket" (Ruth being the "Great Bambino" himself), and "the antipodean slugger" to describe Bradman.
A visit to Hollywood was next, and Sir Charles Aubrey Smith, captain of England's 1889 team in their first Test against South Africa, now turned film star, led an XI against the visitors. The team also met the cast of The Mask of Fu Manchu and Bradman visited the home of actor Leslie Howard.
On the return trip, the Australians stopped at Wellington in New Zealand. A match was to be played but the weather didn't permit it. A late decision to hold an exhibition game the following day was not conveyed to the Bradmans, who had already set off on a sightseeing trip with Fleetwood-Smith. The locals thus missed out on watching the Don, with two standing in for the Australian absentees. One of them was Eric Tindill, who was to go on to become a unique double-double international, playing and officiating at the highest level in cricket and rugby. Bradman didn't ever play in New Zealand.
The touring party reached Australia on September 23, four months after their journey began. Overall, Bradman scored 3779 runs at 102 in 51 matches, including 18 centuries, while McCabe scored 2361 runs and took 189 wickets. The Don, whose Test fee was around £25 at the time, received £100 as a fee for the tour - 51 games in 75 days covering a distance of 10,000 kms through North America - besides a daily allowance. The lesser known players had to bear their expenses. In his autobiography Farewell to Cricket, Bradman talks of the tour, saying, "It had been far too strenuous, but nevertheless it was placid compared with the storm that lay ahead, and of which at that time we had scarcely heard the rumblings."
The tour was Jessie Bradman's first visit overseas. Soon her husband would face the toughest test of his career: up against England, led by Douglas Jardine, on a mission to regain the Ashes, with Bodyline the weapon to contain the "Babe Ruth" of cricket.
Mathew Varghese
Article sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/columns/content/story/310792.html
Meraloma CC wins British Columbia Mainland Cricket League -- Posted Monday, September 17 2007
Meraloma won the playoffs of the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League, beating Richmond by 163 runs. Meraloma scored 245 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in its 50 overs. Jason Sandher made 61 runs and Andrew Downs was on 58 runs when he was forced to retire hurt due to a broken hand. These two added most of the 138 runs added for the third wicket. Steve Welsh made 34 runs not out.
Opening bowler Iain Dixon then took 4 wickets for 19 runs in his ten overs and Kevin Sandher took 3 wickets for 10 runs in six overs, as Richmond was bowled out for just 82 runs (32.3 overs). Dixon and Welsh, who bowled 6 overs for just 6 runs, combined to put the pressure on the early batting. Dion Herft, batting at number nine for Richmond, top-scored with 25 runs.
On September 22 at Beacon Hill, Victoria, BC, Meraloma will play the Victoria and District Cricket Association (VDCA) champions for the Tomalin Cup, British Columbia's overall cricket championship. Albion and Cowichan were the VDCA playoff finalists this weekend (result not at hand).
The Tomalin Cup is scheduled for 50-overs per side with an 11.30 am start.
Eddie Norfolk
Ali and Adastrians Blast Pakistan CC -- Posted Sunday, September 16 2007
Adastrians go into this weekend's key matches to decide the Quebec Federation Premier title bolstered by a massive win over Pakistan CC last Sunday (Sept 9). Adastrians made 446 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Qaiser Ali lead the charge with 264 runs.
Adastrians went on to dismiss Pakistan CC for 146 runs and won by 300 runs. A larger winning margin that most teams ever score in Canadian domestic cricket.
In 2006, PakCan CC hammered 427 runs against Grenada in the Quebec Premier Division. This is understood to be the league record.
Some would argue Ali is showing the benefits of coaching that Andy Pick and Pubudu Dassanayke, have brought to the table. Ali also went home to Pakistan before playing for Canada in South Africa last winter. Last time I saw him he was in Toronto to play for Overseas, so he has certainly worked hard on his game.
So the Canadian vice-captain for the trip to Kenya and Namibia is in good form in domestic play. Abdul Jabbar, also picked for Canada's October trip, made 64 runs. Amir Sultan chipped in with a useful 75 runs.
The match was played at the University of Montreal, scene for Sunday's potentially championship deciding matches.
Adastrians faces Cavaliers on Saturday Sept 15 at Wagar and Sauve on Sunday at the University of Montreal.
Premiership challengers Pak-Can CC is due to play Grenada CC on Saturday at Jarry Park, then close against India CC at the University of Montreal on Sunday. It should be an exciting day for cricket in Montreal and Quebec.
Scoring summary:
Adastrians v Pakistan CC
Quebec Cricket Federation Premier Division
Sunday September 9, 2007 at University of Montreal (#1 ground)
Adastrians won the toss and batted first
Adastrians CC 446 / 8 loss of wickets
Qaiser Ali 264 N.O.
Ahmer Sultan 75
Abdul Jabbar 64
Yousuf 115/3 Tanveer 46/2
Pakistan CC 146 All Out
Aksi Khan 43, Shahzad Noor 31
Asim Ijaz 10/2 Munir 39/3 Raheem 5/3
Adastrians Won by 300 runs.
With thanks to Subrata Mandal of Adastrians CC for the information.
Eddie Norfolk
Toronto and Brampton Masters reach T&DCA Premier Final -- Posted Sunday, September 16 2007
Toronto CC and Brampton Masters will contest the Premier Championship of the Toronto and District Cricket Association on Sunday (Sept 16) at Maple Leaf Cricket Club, King City.
In Saturday's semi-final matches, played on a cold and blustery day in King City, Toronto beat Yorkshire CC by 35 runs and Masters beat Vikings by 6 wickets.
Brent Lazama's 60 runs was the basis for Masters overhauling Vikings score of 158 runs for 8 wickets in 47 overs. Vikings' scoring was held in check at the start of the innings and a potentially powerful batting line-up saw just two players reach scores of 30 runs: Paul Prashad (36 runs) and Chris Vernon (30 runs). Vernon broke the bowlers strangelhold with ten runs off the last three balls of the 13th over, bowled by Henry Osinde. Excluding that over, Osinde and Vishnu Narine had conceded just 35 runs off the first 12 overs.
Narine later scored 34 runs not out, helping Lazama lead Masters to victory.
Zubin Surkari made 52 runs to bolster Toronto's innings.
Yorkshire floundered chasing 178 runs to win in 47 overs. At 90 runs for 9 wickets, Yorkshire looked doomed but the last wicket pairing, inspired by solid play from coach Abdul Majeed, added 52 runs before Majid was out caught and bowled. Toronto's Fareed Uddin took 5 wickets for 41 runs. Canadian junior international Arsalan Qadir took two key wickets, including that of Asif Mulla.
Play in the final is due to start at 11 am. The finalists both played in the Pompey Conference. Toronto edged out Masters in the regular season, but now lack Canadian international Ashish Bagai, who topped the club batting averages.
Scoring summaries of semi-finals:
Toronto v Yorkshire (Maple Leaf CC, South-west pitch)
Toronto CC 177 runs all out (Zubin Surkari 52 runs, Ajay Minhas 33 runs, Samad Shaikh 3 wickets for 25 runs)
Yorkshire CC 142 runs all out (Abdul Majeed 37 runs, Fareed Uddin 5 wickets for 41 runs)
Toronto won by 35 runs
Vikings v Brampton Masters (Maple Leaf CC, North-west pitch)
Vikings 158 runs for 8 wickets (47 overs: Paul Prashad 36 runs, Chris Vernon 30 runs; Abzal Dean 3 wickets for 25 runs; Shapur Agha 3 wickets for 38 runs)
Brampton Masters 159 runs for 4 wickets (xx overs; Brent Lazama 60 runs, Vishnu Narine 34 runs not out)
Brampton Masters won by 6 wickets
Eddie Norfolk
King City, Ontario
Vradenburg school hosted cricket festival -- Posted Saturday, September 15 2007
Cricket fun and festivities in Scarborough, Ontario
Vradenburg school hosted cricket festival
A cricket league in Scarborough would be a hit for a Scarborough physical education teacher.
If Tim Stone had his way there would be cricket at every school in Scarborough and even across the GTA.
Stone helped organize the Vradenburg Cricket Festival that was held at Vradenburg Junior Public School at Warden and Finch avenues. Grade 4, 5 and 6 students from Cornell Public School at Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue and North York's Grenoble Public School at Don Mills Road and Eglinton Avenue were invited to compete.
"There were cricket information displays and the school soccer field was transformed into a full-fledged cricket stadium with a boundary that goes all the way around," he said. "There were also some tents to make a pavilion area."
Stone said he fell in love with the sport when he was studying for his teaching degree in Australia where the sport is popular.
"When I saw it being played in Australia I thought it was great," he said. "It's a great game. It's a hand-eye co-ordination sport like baseball, but a lot more strategy."
So, along with a baseball team practice, the school held regular cricket practices.
"It provided an opportunity for more of the school to get involved," he said. "Being a Toronto school there's no question that cricket is a sport for a lot of the students that is in their background. Maybe their parents played it."
England is the birthplace of cricket, he said, and the sport spread through South Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies, including Jamaica and Barbados, and Australia.
Stone said he started working on the school's cricket festival back in March.
Through a partnership with the two other schools and help from Melvin John, president of M D Community Corp., who brought in and paid for cricket coaches as well as supplying equipment.
John said he got involved in the cricket festival to promote the sport.
"I played cricket since I was a child and I like being able to bring cricket into the schools," he said. "I went to the schools and offered my help in any way I could to promote cricket. They didn't have a coach so I found one that could go in and work with the kids."
John, who is an Anglo-Indian from Pakistan, has been in Canada for 20 years and lives in Scarborough. "A lot of kids have never played," he said. "They're very hyped about it."
He would like to see the sport played competitively at a junior level.
"If we had started this in the 1970s we would have had a great team in the World Cup," he said. "We need to groom our kids much earlier. It's not just a game for South Asians, English or Australians. It's a game for everybody."
Stone said he's all for pushing grass roots cricket in the schools.
"One day our national team will be made up of players who learned cricket in Canada," he said.
Stone said part of the problem with promoting the sport is most people are frightened of it. "It seems so strange and different," he said. "There's a lot of strategy, but the kids are attracted to that. The kids like that they have to do some thinking. It's perceived to be a complicated sport but it's not as much as people think."
It involves the skill of overhand bowling.
"You have to throw with a straight arm overhand bowl," he said. "It doesn't compare to any other sport. It's a very unique action."
That's where the coach has been essential to teach them how to do the overhand bowling properly.
"The students have made great progress not only in their skill but also in understanding the spirit of the game," he said. "All sports have sportsmanship but cricket puts a heavy emphasis on the spirit of the game. It's a gentleman's sport and the tradition of the game is very important."
Cricket will probably never become a major sport like baseball or hockey, John said.
"Cricket will find it's own place," John said. "There should be a variety of sports for everybody and cricket is now a part of that variety."
Article sourced from:-
http://www.scarboroughmirror.com/Sports/Scarborough/article/28540
Etobicoke District Cricket League - Code of Conduct -- Posted Saturday, September 15 2007
The EDCL Code of Conduct has been formulated below. Please read through it thoroughly and aquaint yourself and your team-mates with it. The penalties for these offences will be posted shortly, but a minimum of one-game suspension will be applicable. The penalties will supplement, and not replace the current by-laws. The Code of Conduct will be strictly adhered to and the umpire will bring the charge(s) to the Grievance Committee.
As a general rule, the Captain of the side is responsible for the behaviour and conduct of the players in the team. Apart from the charged player, the Captain may also be penalized and/or fined for the behaviour and conduct of his players.
EDCL Code of Conduct
Level 1
1.1 Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings
1.2 Showing dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse
1.3 Using language that is obscene, offensive or insulting and/or the making of an obscene gesture
1.4 Repeated excessive appealing
1.5 Pointing or gesturing towards the pavilion in an aggressive manner by a bowler or other member of the fielding side upon the dismissal of a batsman
1.6 Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment on a match related incident or match official
Level 2
2.1 Repeat of level 1 offence within the same season/year
2.2 Showing serious dissent at an umpire's decision by action or verbal abuse (may include arguing with the umpire)
2.3 Inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play
2.4 Charging or advancing towards the umpire in an aggressive manner when appealing
2.5 Deliberate and malicious distraction or obstruction on the field of play
2.6 Throwing the ball, bat or any equipment at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner
2.7 Using language that is obscene, offensive or of a seriously insulting nature to another player, umpire, referee, Team Official or spectator. (It is acknowledged that there will be verbal exchanges between players in the course of play. Rather than seeking to eliminate these exchanges entirely, umpires will look to lay charges when this falls below an acceptance standard. In this instance, language will be interpreted to include gestures)
2.8 Changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3
2.9 Any attempt to manipulate a match in regard to the result, net run rate, bonus points, or otherwise. The captain of any team guilty of such conduct will be held responsible.
Level 3
3.1 Repeat of level 2 offence within the same season/year
3.2 Intimidation of an umpire or official, whether by language or conduct
3.3 Threat of assault on another player, Team Official or spectator
3.4 Using language or gestures that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person's race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin
Level 4
4.1 Repeat of level 3 offence within the same season/year
4.2 Physical assault of another player, umpire, referee, official or spectator
4.3 Any act of violence on the field of play
The following are the general categories of serious offences, carrying the highest penalties:
a - Gambling on matches (betting)
b - Failing to perform in a match in return for benefit, such as money or goods (match-fixing)
c - Inducing a player to perform one of the above actions
d - Failure to report certain incidents relating to match-fixing or gambling
Important Note: Where there are separate incidents in the course of a match, the umpire should lay separate charges. If the person charged is found guilty of more than one offence, separate penalties with respect to each offence will be imposed. Penalties in such case are cumulative and not concurrent.
Information sourced from:-
http://www.edcl.net/index.jsp?page_id=EDCL_COC
Greenfield Cricket Club -- Posted Friday, September 14 2007
Greenfield Cricket Club was established in 1990 by a small group of Sri-Lankans, who had a passion for the game of cricket. Within this short time our club has grown to be one of the best clubs in Edmonton, Alberta.
We have contributed in numerous ways to the development of cricket in Edmonton and vastly responsible for promoting youth cricket. The club is focused on developing young players and making them the future leaders of the club. We like to ensure that young players have a great future in this club and all of it's activities. Greenfield is one of the youngest teams in the league and its executive provides opportunity and encouragement to any and all up and coming cricketers.
Greenfield Cricket Club is a family oriented club where members and their families and friends have the opportunity to get involved in various activities and outings. The club has the lowest membership fees in the province (if not in Canada).
We are appreciative of your interest in Greenfield Cricket Club 'Online' and once again we extend our hearty welcome.
If you wish to contact us, please e-mail us at greenfieldcc@hotmail.com and we would be delighted to hear from you or answer any questions you may have.
Article sourced from:-
http://www.greenfieldcricket.com/aboutus.htm
Shaughnessy Cricket Club -- Posted Thursday, September 13 2007
The Shaughnessy Cricket Club, formerly The University of British Columbia Cricket Club, brings a talented combination of local Canadian players and cricketers from around the world who have come to Vancouver, BC to continue their studies at UBC. Students Dave Carey, Dr. Harry Warren, and Basil Robinson organized the first UBC cricket team, entering the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League (BCMCL) in 1938. This team was captained by Carey, who the previous year was selected to play for the Canadian cricket team that toured England. Carey led the UBC team in batting in '38 taking it to a third place finish in league standings. In 1939 the team was captained by Robinson, and he led it to both the BCMCL championship and the Fyfe-Smith Shield.
The club went on to enjoy a rich history with UBC through 1995, and while our association remained close through 2006, we now embark on a new era - as The Shaughnessy Cricket Club (SCC), representing the grand old neighborhood of Shaughnessy, Vancouver's poshest subdivision. The area is an important Vancouver heritage landscape, with curving streets, generous lots, lush gardens, and manicured properties that harken to a lost-era of stylish wealth. (Courtesy to http://www.tourismvancouver.com)
We certainly look forward to both honouring and building upon our proud UBC history with a successful debut season as SCC in 2007.
As the exciting season approaches, players of all nationalities will join UBC students and graduates who constitute the core of the club. The cultural diversity of Canada contributes to the high level of cricket played here, especially evident in the premier division of the BCMCL. This year alone, our club includes players from Australia, England, India, Jamaica, Trinidad, Ireland, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
The BCMCL has slowly grown from a handful of teams in 1914 to over 60 teams playing today in 7 divisions. The Shaughnessy Cricket Club is in the highly competitive second division this year. Our cricket season is from late April through August. One-day, limited-over, weekend matches culminate with the top four premier division teams playing off in September. Finalists then play a one-day match to determine league champions. We play cricket in picturesque parks around the city on permanent, concrete, hard-wickets topped with a thin surface layer of artificial turf. Sir Donald Bradman stated in 1950 that one such venue, Brockton Point, situated on the water at Stanley Park in Vancouver, is "the most beautiful ground in the world".
In addition to the regular season cricket matches, the league also holds two six-a-side tournaments during the summer; one is a "club" six-a-side where all teams within the league are represented. The other is an "international" six-a-side tournament with many different countries represented through the division of league players. The international six-a-side tournament, in particular, draws much interest and curiosity from the local community. The day is filled with flag-waving and cheering from crowds gathering along the boundary markers at the Brockton Oval.
Article sourced from:-
http://www.shaughnessycricket.com/html/AboutUs.html
A reflection on meeting C.L.R. James -- Posted Wednesday, September 12 2007
A third biography of the great West Indian writer C.L.R. James, with whom I shared a day at the Oval in London in the 1960s
The Guardian Weekly this week has an interesting review of a new biography --- the third, it says --- of C.L.R. James, the wonderful Trinidadian writer, historian, political activist and cricket lover, whom I interviewed when I was a reporter for The Montreal Star in London in the 1960s. The unique flavour of James is encapsulated in the headline of the review --- A quixotic Marxist at the wicket --- and by the list of subjects chosen by James when he was invited in the 1980s to give six television lectures --- Pan-Africanism, Shakespeare, Solidarity and the Polish Revolt, American Politics, the West Indies, and Cricket. James was more or less expert in them all, but of them all, he was most expert in cricket, a game that he and I loved above all others, and about which he wrote the greatest book ever written on the game, Beyond a Boundary.
Among other things, James was the seminal influence on that school of West Indian novelists and writers who arose in the 1950s and 60s. He was a wonderful old man when I met him, honored for his brilliant history of the slave revolt in Haiti, Black Jacobins. This book was published in 1939 and was largely ignored because of the on-rush of war; but it was rediscovered after the war, and recognized for a classic.
Still one had to confess that James spent most of his life --- frittered it away, one might almost say --- as a disputatious Trotskyite, leading tiny splinter groups of leftists who claimed, as he did himself, to have the solution to the world's problems. When Eric Williams was elected Premier of Trinidad and Tobago, he summoned James home to become the editor of his party's weekly newspaper. James told me he warned Williams to get busy with transforming the nation, or James would have to leave. His followers in Chicago, he said, were calling for him to return and undertake leadership of the world revolution. After a few months, James left to go back to Chicago, and pick up the leadership of the 15 or so Marxists in his group. A few months later --- as revealed in James's now-forgotten chapbooks on politics, which I picked up on a visit to the West Indies --- his group had further fragmented, and he became leader of five or six, not fifteen. The next time he returned to Trinidad it was with the intention of reporting for the Manchester Guardian on a cricket test match: Williams placed him under house arrest, he said.
The Guardian reviewer says this of James's American experience:
"He moved to the US and, under the pseudonym J R Johnson, became the leading light of a Trotskyite splinter group of monumental obscurity until, after 15 years and at the height of McCarthyism, he was tracked down as an illegal immigrant, imprisoned on Ellis Island and deported. Much of James's writing was thus showered on an ungrateful American public in the form of pamphlet and polemic. On Ellis Island he wrote Mariners, Renegades And Castaways, an extended essay on Moby-Dick that was apparently printed out and mailed to every congressman in the hope that it would secure his release. There is something in that quixotic, naive gesture that sums up James's politics. He has had far more effect on cricket than on the wider world. His most successful agitation came when he returned to the West Indies and campaigned for the appointment of the brilliant Frank Worrell as captain in the late 1950s instead of yet another white man. When Worrell got the job, he transformed West Indian cricket and its perception of itself for ever."
My last view of James was when he appeared at the Black Writers' Conference in Montreal in 1969. It was full of fire-eating revolutionaries, such as Stokely Carmichael; but James, the most revolutionary of them all, astonished his audience by delivering his lecture in flawless French. I did not go up to greet him, since he was being lionized. But I would hope that had I done so, he would have remembered our day at the Oval, watching Bolus and Edrich, the England openers, playing for Surrey against the Australians.
In my unpublished book on sports, The Kingdom of Couch, I devoted a chapter to James, and here it is:
The ground on which Sri Lanka has beaten England was the Kennington Oval (now, I regret to say, known as Foster's Oval), in south London, one of Britain's major cricket fields. Nowadays, that a team of Asians should take on the best of the English at the Oval is of no particular moment. But it brings back a memory to me of sitting in the sun one day in the 1960s at the Oval, with C.L.R. James, a wonderfully eccentric old Trinidadian; father-figure and inspiration to an entire generation of West Indian writers; author of Black Jacobins, one of the finest histories written in English; a man with a tempestuous political past, leader of one of the world's many tiny leftist political factions; and author of Beyond the Boundary, which I believe is incontestably regarded as the greatest book ever written on cricket.
"There was a day," said Mr. James, as we gently applauded the long partnership between the Surrey opening batsmen, Edrich and Bolus (who both played for England), "when the Indian prince Ranjitsinhji, playing for England against Australia, had to walk on to this very field alone through a separate gate, because of his colour, while the rest of the England team came out through the main gate."
In my memory of this meeting with Mr. James, he told me he actually saw Ranjitsinhji on that occasion. But my memory has betrayed me. The Indian prince played for England between 1896 and 1902, and James never saw him play.
At the time I was correspondent for The Montreal Star in London, and a long-time admirer of the old West Indian writer. I had approached Mr. James for an interview. We made an appointment to meet at the modest house in north London that he shared with his daughter; but when I turned up, he had forgotten the appointment and had gone out somewhere. Undeterred, I made another appointment, and on the second occasion he was there.
Mr. James, of course, was poor as a church mouse, in spite of his great attainments, for he had spent most of his life, between the memorable books he wrote, engaged in fringe politics that never earned him a penny. He was one of the few men I ever met who believed absolutely that the world needed his leadership. I remembered him describing the time he had returned to Trinidad to edit the party newspaper for the independent nation's first Prime Minister, Eric Williams. James was impatient, and after a few months he warned Williams that he had better get busy changing Trinidad, because he, James, could not hang around indefinitely. People in Chicago were clamouring for him to go there, and he would have to go, the world was in need of his leadership. A few months later he resigned and went to Chicago, where he was greeted by his faction of about 15 followers, who split into two even tinier factions within a few months of his disputatious arrival. (The next time he arrived in Trinidad to cover a cricket Test for an English newspaper, Williams put him under house arrest).
The London house James lived in was gloriously cluttered, the living room full of books and newspapers from all around the world scattered over every available surface. We discussed his career for an hour or so, moving on quickly to cricket, his and my greatest love, and then, eventually tiring of it, he asked me if I would like to go to the Oval to see the match.
I had never been at the Oval, although I had seen many games there on television, and had read many written accounts in the books I absorbed in my teens, of heroic games played there. In fact, the history of English cricket has been written at the Oval, as much as at the more famous Lord's.
The first-ever Test on English soil was played there in September 1880, when England beat Australia by five wickets, and W. G. Grace, the Babe Ruth of English cricket, scored a hundred runs.
It was also at the Oval that the legend of "the Ashes" was born. "The Ashes" are the imaginary symbol of supremacy that England and Australia still play for. The story derives from an Oval match in August 1882 when England, left to score only 85 to win in their second innings, were cruising along comfortably, with 5l scored for only two wickets down, and were headed for an easy win. Then the great Australian bowler, F.R. Spofforth (called 'the Demon' because of his saturnine face and fierce piercing eyes) struck like a thunderbolt, taking seven wickets and plunging England to a ghastly defeat by seven runs. It was England's first loss on English soil, and the next morning, The Sporting Times published an obituary, stating that "the body of English cricket would be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia". And ever since, it is these mythological "Ashes" that have been played for.
There are strange stories surrounding the history of these Ashes. In January the following year, five months later, England beat Australia in a Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground, and after that game a young Australian woman, Florence Rose Murphy, presented the England captain, the Hon. Ivo Bligh, with an urn containing ashes. They were the ashes, she said (according to an article this year by Tim Rice, in the Electronic Telegraph,) of a burned bail. Miss Murphy evidently had romantic designs on the Engand captain, for soon after that presentation she married Bligh, and on his elevation to the peerage became Lady Darnley. After Bligh's death in 1927 she presented the urn to Lord's Cricket Ground, in London, where it has rested ever since, the embodiment of the "Ashes" myth.
There are now suggestions, however, that all is not well with this myth: only recently Lady Darnley's daughter, the Dowager Countess of Darnley, has revealed that the urn contains, not a burned bail as her mother claimed, but the ashes of a burned veil.
In spite of this great win of 1882, the Oval has not been Australia's most successful ground over the years. In 1896, in Ranjitsinhji's Oval Test that C.L.R. James told me about, Australia made only 44 runs, one of the lowest scores ever made in a Test match in England, and lost the game.
In 1938, it was at the Oval that England piled up the highest score ever made in a Test match - 903 for seven declared - the only time in Test history that the 900-mark has been crossed, and beat Australia by an innings and 579 runs, the biggest win in any Test match. Len Hutton made 364, the highest score ever made in any Test on English soil.
Ten years later, it was at the Oval that the incomparable Australian Don Bradman played his last Test innings. He needed to score only four runs to take his total number of runs scored in first-class cricket to 7,000, with the unheard-of average of 100 per innings. He was wildly applauded all the way to the wicket, and was visibly moved by this reception from the English fans. He settled down to take his strike, survived the first ball thrown up by spinner Eric Hollies, and was then, with the second ball, clean bowled for a "duck" (earning Hollies a special place in cricket history).
With me at the Oval, Mr. James, who was too old and wise for bitterness, recalled the long history of racism and class-distinction that for so long marked the great game of cricket. I could remember from my reading that between the wars the detailed scoring cards published in The Times newspaper each day used to refer to amateurs as "Mr. A.P.F. Chapman", and to professionals as simply "Hendren", or "Hobbs". After the war they decided they must make a bow to democracy (after all, everyone took part in England's defence against the Nazis, right?) But they made a last-ditch stand for their class distinctions, now referring to amateurs as "F.R Brown", and to professionals as "Compton, D.", or "Hardstaff, J.H."
James's book is about more than just cricket, of course: it is a profound sociological study of racism and social distinctions in Trinidad society, as revealed by the cricket teams he played for, and observed as a young man. And it is a delightful account of his life, as he lived through all of this, clinging to all the tenets of sportsmanship that have always adhered to the very idea of cricket. The book is full of wonderful prose, and one cannot forebear to quote from it: "My inheritance, (you have already seen two, Puritanism and cricket) came from both sides of the family," he writes on page 17, "and a good case could be made out for predestination, including the position of the house in front of the recreation ground, and the window exactly behind the wicket."
And again, page 36: "When I got into the eleven (at school) there were matches on Saturdays.... I forged letters, I borrowed flannels, I borrowed money to pay my fare, I borrowed bicycles to ride to the matches and borrowed money to repair them when I smashed them. I was finally entangled in such a web of lies, forged letters, borrowed clothes and borrowed money that it was no wonder that the family looked on me as a sort of trial from heaven, sent to test them as Job was tested.... I was not a vicious boy. All I wanted was to play cricket and soccer, not merely to play but to live the life, and nothing could stop me. When all my tricks and plans and evasions failed I just went and played and said to hell with the consequences."
A few years later, in 1969, C.L.R. James came to Montreal to address the Black Writer's Conference, held when the Black Power movement was at its height. The conference was full of Black Panthers, and glowering activists like Stokely Carmichael, who were surrounded by glaring, threatening black bodyguards when they spoke. But James, with his unrivalled position as the father-figure, the guru, of all Black writers, gave a remarkable performance, speaking in flawless French from beginning to end of his lecture. I covered the conference, but did not approach him, as he was being lionized by the people there.
I think he might have remembered our day at the Oval, however, if I had had the nerve to remind him of it. It is certainly something I will never forget.
Article dated August 18 2001 sourced from:-
http://www.magma.ca/~brich/comment2frame3.html#anchor225509
Greenfield Cricket Club -- Posted Tuesday, September 11 2007
Greenfield Cricket Club was established in 1990 by a small group of Sri-Lankans, who had a passion for the game of cricket. Within this short time our club has grown to be one of the best clubs in Edmonton, Alberta.
We have contributed in numerous ways to the development of cricket in Edmonton and vastly responsible for promoting youth cricket. The club is focused on developing young players and making them the future leaders of the club. We like to ensure that young players have a great future in this club and all of it's activities. Greenfield is one of the youngest teams in the league and its executive provides opportunity and encouragement to any and all up and coming cricketers.
Greenfield Cricket Club is a family oriented club where members and their families and friends have the opportunity to get involved in various activities and outings. The club has the lowest membership fees in the province (if not in Canada).
We are appreciative of your interest in Greenfield Cricket Club 'Online' and once again we extend our hearty welcome. If you wish to contact us, please e-mail us at greenfieldcc(at)hotmail(dot)com and we would be delighted to hear from you or answer any questions you may have.
Greenfield Cricket Club was established in 1990 by a small group of Sri-Lankans, who had a passion for the game of cricket. Within this short time our club has grown to be one of the best clubs in Edmonton, Alberta.
We have contributed in numerous ways to the development of cricket in Edmonton and vastly responsible for promoting youth cricket. The club is focused on developing young players and making them the future leaders of the club. We like to ensure that young players have a great future in this club and all of it's activities. Greenfield is one of the youngest teams in the league and its executive provides opportunity and encouragement to any and all up and coming cricketers.
Greenfield Cricket Club is a family oriented club where members and their families and friends have the opportunity to get involved in various activities and outings. The club has the lowest membership fees in the province (if not in Canada).
We are appreciative of your interest in Greenfield Cricket Club 'Online' and once again we extend our hearty welcome. If you wish to contact us, please e-mail us at greenfieldcc(at)hotmail(dot)com and we would be delighted to hear from you or answer any questions you may have.
Article sourced frrom:-
http://www.greenfieldcricket.com/aboutus.htm
Ashish Bagai up for an award -- Posted Monday, September 10 2007
Kenya have two players in the running for the ICC Associate ODI Player of the Year award. Steve Tikolo and Thomas Odoyo have been shortlisted for the new category. Canada's Ashish Bagai and Ryan ten Doeschate, of Netherlands, are the other players vying for the prize.
The talented Tikolo was in consistent form – his highlight a fifty against England in the World Cup - while Odoyo delivered with both bat and ball.
Ten Doeschate hit an unbeaten century in the World Cricket League, and added a hatful of wickets. At the World Cup which followed he struck two fifties in three matches including one against South Africa.
Bagai was a member of Canada's World Cup teams in 2003 and 2007. He came to prominence this winter with two centuries at the World Cricket League, where he was named Player of the Tournament, ahead of the World Cup.
The first ICC Awards were held four years ago, but this is the first time there will be an Associate Player of the Year. The winner will be named in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 10 as teams gather for the initial ICC World Twenty20 championship.
Story sourced from:-
http://blogs.cricinfo.com/btw/archives/2007/09/tikolo_and_odoy.php
Ottawa Cricket – The Early Years (1840-1960) -- Posted Monday, September 10 2007
In 1840, some thirteen years after the first recorded mention of cricket in Canada , the Carleton Cricket Club was established in Ottawa , then named Bytown. This club was dissolved in 1845 and nothing further was heard of the game until 1849 when the Bytown Cricket Club was established.
Among the players at that period were Mr. G.P. Baker, postmaster and often referred to as “the father of Ottawa cricket “, and Mr. F. Clemow, later a Senator. Matches were played with Aylmer , Prescott , Belleville , Kingston and Cornwall . The military in Bytown also provided good opposition. Games in Bytown were played on a site of what is now known as Cartier Square.
In 1851 Bytown played Belleville in Kingston and, according to the “Kingston Whig “, the Bytown players were “whalers, all able-bodied men, and will smash their opponents all to smithereens”; however, in spite of this emphatic opinion, Bytown lost by an innings. Six years later the Bytown Cricket Club is known to have played five matches in the season.
In 1858, when Bytown became the capital of Canada , and its name was changed to Ottawa , the Bytown Cricket Club became the Ottawa Cricket Club (OCC). That same year the first match was played against Montreal , a fixture that has now lasted for one hundred years.
In 1865 Captain Pemberton of the 60th Royal Rifles laid down the first cricket pitch at Rideau Hall. Two years later Lord Monck, the Governor-General, set aside ten acres on the west side of Rideau Hall for cricket, thus assuring the permanency of the game in Ottawa. At that period the wicket was pitched from east to west. After two quiet years the game was revived in 1870 and about this time matches were played with Almonte, Arnprior, Peterborough, Carleton Place, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg and Hamilton.
For those interested in the ebb and flow over the years of cricket in Ontario it is to be noted that it is only in the larger centres, such as Peterborough, Kingston and Hamilton, that the game has survived, and then often with moribund periods. About this time, too, the first of many fixtures was played with Toronto.
In 1872 an English touring side for the first time visited Ottawa, previous trans-Atlantic ventures in 1859 and 1868 having bypassed the city. The 1872 party was a very strong one, including such redoubtable players as Dr. W.G. Grace and Mr. A.N. Hornby. They played twenty-two from Ottawa and District. Only two of the local players reached double figures and the visitors gained a resounding victory by an innings and 109 runs.
It was on this occasion that Dr. W.G. Grace made 73 before being bowled by Mr. J. Boothroyd, an underarm bowler from Almonte. The successful bowler was presented with Dr. W.G. Grace's bat, which recently passed into the possession of the Ottawa Valley Cricket Council.
In 1875 Ottawa played Port Hope and St. Catharines, and in 1879 Ottawa acted as host for the Canada vs. United States match, an encounter which, with interruptions, was an annual fixture from 1844 until 1921.
In 1880 Mr. A. Browning of Montreal made 204 at Rideau Hall, then the highest individual score in Canadian cricket, and still the only double century made in Ottawa. It was about this time that two or three other clubs were founded in Ottawa but their existence was brief and undistinguished
In 1882 Winnipeg visited Ottawa. Lord Lorne, who was Governor-General from 1878 until 1883, took a keen interest in the game and occasionally played himself.
If there was a golden era in Ottawa cricket it was surely during the period from 1883 until 1887 when Lord Landsdowne was Governor-General. His Excellency was himself no mean player and did much to popularise the game. In addition, this was before the time when tennis and golf provided serious counter-attractions and, what is perhaps equally significant, before the decline of interest in cricket in the United States had definitely set in.
In 1884 the Ottawa Cricket Club played Government House and during this match Sir John A. Macdonald, then Prime Minister, visited the ground and was received by His Excellency in a marquee erected for the vice-regal party.
In 1885 a team consisting of members of Parliament and Senators defeated Government House by an innings and 10 runs, His Excellency being his side's top scorer in their second innings with 21 runs. In that same year Ottawa had a visit from the famous Longwood Cricket Club in Boston.
In 1886 came the first team from the West Indies and Ottawa defeated a strong side from Halifax. Another highlight of the year 1886 was Ottawa's first tour outside the country. Three matches were played in Boston. It was during one of these matches, played on Boston Common, that a remarkable incident occurred. Mr. L. Coste, an Ottawa player, made a tremendous hit, so powerful indeed that 7 were run, three fielders being required to return the ball.
In 1887 Mr. W.C. Little, an Ottawa player, was with a Canadian side which toured England.
In 1888 the Gentlemen of Ireland toured Canada and beat fifteen of Ottawa by an innings. In the same year occurred the first visit from Hamilton and the year following Galt, Guelph and St. Paul's School, Concord, all came to Ottawa, and in 1890, Trinity University of Toronto.
In 1891 Lord Hawke's XI defeated Eastern Canada in Ottawa by an innings and it is interesting to note that this match took place as late in the season as the third week in October. In the same year Alexandria, McGill University of Montreal and R.M.C. of Kingston visited the capital.
In 1893 a climactic and almost disastrous event occurred, the Pavilion being burnt down. Fortunately, and thanks largely to the Governor-General, Lord Stanley, and the Department of Public Works, a new structure was erected which has now lasted for some sixty-five years.
About this time the Ottawa team was very strong and in 1894 they beat London, Ontario, in Toronto, and in that year did not lose a match.
Although it was supported by several well-known Ottawa residents there was no expansion of cricket in the twenty years preceding the outbreak of the First World War. It was at best a period of consolidation. In 1901 Ottawa again was the scene of another Canada vs. United States match.
In 1905 Quebec (including Ottawa) defeated Ontario at Rideau Hall and that same year the Ottawa Cricket Club drew up its first constitution.
In 1907 the M.C.C. visited Canada and a close match against Eastern Canada at Rideau Hall resulted in a draw.
In 1910 a fortnight was spent touring in Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, only two matches being lost and Johnston, an Ottawa player, making 153 against the Belmont Cricket Club in Philadelphia.
American teams were frequent visitors to Ottawa during this period, and among their players was Mr. J. B. King of Philadelphia , whom many consider to have been the finest swerve bowler the world has ever seen. The strength of Philadelphia cricket at that time can readily be understood when it is recalled that, in 1913, a Germantown Cricket Club XII in Philadelphia beat an Australian touring side which included such players as Bardsley, Collins, Mailey and McCartney. This Australian side also visited Ottawa in its itinerary.
In the twenties a modest expansion of Ottawa cricket took place. Three new clubs, Defence (formerly Militia), Christ Church Cathedral and New Edinburgh were formed and they still operate at the present time.
For some years a club known as the Wanderers was playing in Ottawa, having taken over from R.C.M.P.
In order to organize the cricket, which was now on League scale, the Ottawa Valley Cricket Council had been formed in 1920, the original constitution of which was drawn up in I923. The foundation clubs were Ottawa, Defence, R.C.M.P. and Almonte.
In 1922 competition among the clubs for an annual Challenge Cup was instituted which, as of 1960 inclusive, has been won twelve times by Christ Church Cathedral, nine times by New Edinburgh, six times by Ottawa, four times by Defence, twice by Kingston and once each by Almonte and Ashbury College. The Almonte Cricket Club now no longer exists and Ashbury College no longer competes. In one year Defence and New Edinburgh tied and in three years no award was made. It was during this period that Council secured the use of a second ground at Ashbury College, Rockcliffe Park.
In 1927, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation, the City of Ottawa presented the Confederation Cup for annual competition between Ottawa and Montreal.
In 1928 the Lord Atholstan Trophy inter-provincial match was played in Ottawa.
In 1932 a most distinguished group of Australian cricketers played at Rideau Hall, under the captaincy of Richardson , and including Bradman, Fleetwood-Smith, Kippax, Mailey and McCabe.
In 1939 there was a visit of schoolboys and girls from England which was interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War.
Other visitors to Ottawa in the period between the two World Wars were the Free Foresters from England and Ridley College, Upper Canada College and St. Andrew's College.
Haverford College of Philadelphia also came, a school which first played cricket in 1836. An outstanding player of the inter-war period was Mr. H. Edwards, who donated a trophy for contribution to cricket. A Governor-General of this period who took a keen interest in Ottawa cricket was Lord Willingdon who had been four years in the Cambridge University XI.
The Second World War posed serious problems for the administrators of the game in Ottawa, not the least of which was the loss of so many players. The situation was, however, saved by the influx of Commonwealth players who were serving in the armed forces. Much was owed, too, to the encouragement of Lord Athlone, the Governor-General, who donated trophies for annual competition in batting, bowling and fielding.
The post-war era has seen many changes and improvements. In 1947 a Constitution Committee undertook a radical revision of the League's Constitution and Bye-Laws which, except for revision and amendment in 1941, had remained unchanged since 1923. The main effect of the labours of this Committee was to transfer responsibility for detailed work from the Executive to individual committees, now eleven in number, which report to Council. The Constitution and Bye-Laws have been kept under scrutiny and since 1947 amendments have been sustained at no less than seven annual general meetings. Also in 1947 the inter-provincial match was again played in Ottawa.
In 1948 the annual Fixtures booklet was instituted, this providing, amongst other things, a record of Ottawa cricket and some much needed publicity. Sunday cricket became a regular feature and two day matches more common. Games were played with newly established or resuscitated clubs in Brockville, Deep River, Montreal, Oakville and Toronto as well as with Kingston, which joined the League in 1959.
During the past ten years noteworthy visits and matches at Rideau Hall have become numerous, and they include the Pakistan Test Team in 1958, the M.C.C. in 1951 and 1959, and the Australian Old Collegians' in 1960. In 1957 the inter-provincial match was again staged in Ottawa and in that same year Council played the Independent Schools, for which six well-known private schools in Ontario each provided two players. Teams from Bermuda, British Columbia and Philadelphia have also visited.
Both Lord Alexander, who became President of the M.C.C., and Mr. Massey took a keen interest in the game, and Mr. Massey generously set aside further space for a second ground at Rideau Hall.
Apart from ground and Pavilion maintenance and improvements, a real and not unsuccessful attempt has been made to raise the standard of umpiring and scoring. In umpiring there is affiliation with the Association of Cricket Umpires and two umpires have obtained full membership in the Association by examination.
Only in the vital field of junior cricket has progress in the post-war period been meagre, if not non-existent. This is a serious matter for the future of the game as it points out the inescapable fact that its continuation, even at the present modest level, is dependent upon a steady inflow of Commonwealth immigrants and transmigrants from overseas and temporary Ottawa residents.
Ashbury College is now, for all practical purposes, the only local source of junior players. The story of Ottawa cricket would not be complete without mention of this College which has prominently featured the game for half a century or longer, and which has been a mainstay of local cricket by making its ground available to Ottawa players, providing accommodation for visiting teams and other services too numerous to mention.
At one time there were regular fixtures with several other schoolboy teams but now their sole rivals appear to be Bishops College School in Lennoxville, Quebec. Although from time to time the College produces unusually good players, they are handicapped by a very short season and lack of sufficient suitable opposition and coaching facilities.
Recently one player, Dr. A.B. Lang, formerly of Sydney, New South Wales, has established a number of records, and this in spite of a war injury. Twice in a season he has exceeded 1,000 runs. His 202, out of an opening stand of 277 at St. Catherines in I957 is the only recorded double century by an Ottawa player and the opening stand is probably also a Canadian record. Two years previously he had made 192 in only 145 minutes against a strong Toronto Cricket Club side on the Rideau Hall ground, which is another record for an Ottawa player. In 1954 he scored a century in each innings of a representative match and is believed to be the only contemporary Canadian player to have achieved this feat. Mention should also be made of Mr. E.F. Hitchman who has been active in Canadian cricket for seventy years, the last forty of them in Ottawa. He founded the Christ Church Cathedral Cricket Club, and was commissioned by the Canadian Cricket Association to prepare the Memorial Album in tribute to the Canadian cricketers who gave their lives in two World Wars. He presented this to the M.C.C. at Lords in 1952. Mr. Hitchman is now covered with cricket honours, being an honorary officer of both the Canadian Cricket Association and the Ontario Cricket Association and he also holds the unique distinction of being both an Honorary Vice-President and an Honorary Life Member of the 0ttawa Valley Cricket Council. In the 1960 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack he is fittingly described as the “grand old man“ of Canadian cricket.
The Ottawa Valley Cricket Council is now the smallest of the five Leagues in the Ontario Cricket Association and nobody will pretend that cricket now plays a significant part in the life of Canada's capital or that its expansion, such as it has been, has kept pace with the growth of the city itself. It has, however, continuously provided a great source of entertainment for many persons in beautiful surroundings and over a long period of time.
At Rideau Hall Ottawa possesses a ground which has a setting as fine as any in Canada, if not in the world, and the game has a long and honourable history which is intimately linked with successive Governors-General.
Original Author Unknown
Circa 1960
Article sourced from:-
http://www.ottawacricketclub.ca/history.php
ICC Chief Executives’ Committee meeting in Johannesburg -- Posted Sunday, September 9 2007
Discussions include volume of cricket, umpires’ task force, report on ICC Cricket World Cup, proposals for Stanford Twenty20 event, matches in South Africa during the Apartheid era and Indian Cricket League
The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) will meet in Johannesburg on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 September.
The two-day meeting will discuss a range of issues relating to the playing and the business of cricket, some of which will be considered by the ICC Board when it next meets, in Dubai at the end of October.
Among the items on the agenda for the meeting are the following:
Volume of cricket
CEC will review a draft international programme for the period 2012 – 2017 prepared by ICC management.
This programme was produced following direction from the ICC Board. It will seek to:
Be fair and equitable to all sides, requiring all Full Members to play each other once at home and once away over the life cycle of the Future Tours Program (FTP)
Introduce a limit to the numbers of Test matches, ODIs and T20I matches sides may play in any one series
Provide for two “icon” series, between Australia and England, and India and Pakistan, to take place every two years
Restrict to a maximum of seven the number of Twenty20 internationals that any international side can play in a year (excluding ICC events)
Ensure that any additional matches or series scheduled would be considered to fall outside the FTP and must have no impact on it in order to be confirmed
CEC is to provide ICC management with feedback and comment on the draft programme and, once complete, it will then be reviewed by the ICC Board, although possible implementation, if appropriate, may be delayed due to members’ existing commercial arrangements.
Umpires’ task force
The task force was formed following a recommendation in May by the ICC’s Cricket Committee. The purpose of the group is to enhance the already high standards of officiating.
The task force, chaired by ICC President-elect David Morgan, began its work by surveying umpires, players, member boards and the media on the current state and perceptions of umpiring.
Armed with feedback from that survey, the task force, also including ICC Manager – Cricket David Richardson, Geoff Allardice of Cricket Australia and the ICC Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle, met in London on 6 and 7 September.
The terms of reference for the group were:
How best to structure the Emirates Elite and International panels
The support structures for the panel
Umpire remuneration levels and workloads
Policies for the selection and appointment of umpires to panels and matches, including the issue of neutrality
CEC will consider recommendations from the meeting of the task force.
ICC Cricket World Cup
CEC will consider a report from ICC management on this year’s tournament in the Caribbean.
Stanford Twenty20 event
CEC will consider its position in relation to a proposal by the Stanford Board for the Stanford Super Stars to play matches against ICC Full Members in a winner-takes-all tournament.
Status of matches in South Africa during the Apartheid era
CEC will consider the classification of matches played in South Africa during the period 1961 – 1991 when South Africa was not an ICC member and thus, in theory, not entitled to make such classifications.
Discussion will include the status of the rebel tours to the country between 1982 and 1990.
The subject requires consideration because, although it has previously been agreed what constitutes official Test, ODI, Twenty20 international, first-class and List A status matches, matches played in South Africa during its period outside the ICC remain a grey area.
Indian Cricket League
The implications of the formation of the Indian Cricket League will be discussed.
The CEC comprises the Chief Executives or their equivalent of the 10 ICC Full Members and three representatives from ICC Associate Members. It is chaired by the ICC’s Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee will be in attendance.
ICC Chief Executives’ Committee
After the first day of the CEC meeting, the ICC Awards 2007 will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
On the day the meeting concludes, the ICC World Twenty20 will start at The Wanderers, Johannesburg with hosts South Africa playing against the West Indies.
A total of 27 matches will take place over 14 days at three venues – Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg – with the final set to take place on 24 September.
Above information source from:-
ICC MEDIA RELEASE
Johannesburg, 9 September 2007
Meraloma CC, Vancouver -- Posted Sunday, September 9 2007
The Meraloma Cricket Club was formed in 1989 when former Vancouver Rowing Club members sought to join the Meraloma Club. Located at Connaught Park (West 10th Ave and Larch) in the beachside district of Kitsilano, Vancouver, the club has 4 teams in the BC Mainland Cricket League, with teams represented in the Premier, 1st, 3rd and 5th Divisions.
The club has seen much success, with over 15 local, provincial and national titles in its 17 year history. The last 3 years in particular have seen the First team win 2 premier divisional titles, 2 overall league champion titles, 2 Tomlin cups (BC Champions) and 1 western provincial title, while the Second team has won the shield trophy the last 3 years playing in Division 1.
Most recently, the club has also boasted several players who have represented Canada, including Club Captain Steve Welsh, Iain Dixon, Kevin Sandher and Geoff Barnett, the latter 2 representing Canada at the 2007 World Cup.
New members are always welcome, whether you have played the game before or not, and regardless of your skill level, there is a team for you.
Article sourced from:-
http://www.vancouvercricket.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=14&Itemid=87
Canada's Bagai shortlisted for Associate ODI Player of the Year -- Posted Saturday, September 8 2007
Toronto (Sept 7): Canadian wicketkeeper-batsman Ashish Bagai is on the shortlist of cricketers for the International Cricket Council (ICC) One-day international (ODI) Player of the Year Awards. Kenyan skipper Steve Tikolo and teammate Thomas Odoyo are also in the running as is Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who plays county cricket for Essex in England.
The winner will be named in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 10 as teams gather for the initial ICC World Twenty20 championship. Kenya and Scotland carry the hopes of the ICC Associate countries.
Bagai developed via the Toronto Cricket Academy in Toronto and has played for Toronto Cricket Club in the Toronto and District Cricket Association. He captained an Americas Development XI (2000) and then Canada (2002) in Under-19 Cricket World Cups before moving on to senior honours.
He was a member of Canada's senior Cricket World Cup teams in 2003 and 2007. His performances during the winter, highlighted by two centuries that brought Man-of-the-Match and Player of the Tournament awards at the World Cricket League Global Division One put a major focus on him at CWC2007.
Bagai is currently working in London, England.
(Eddie Norfolk)
Help Save Vancouver's Hugo Ray Park for cricket -- Posted Saturday, September 8 2007
There is a current application to re-develop Hugo Ray Park with an artificial/synthetic turf for field hockey use.
This change would end cricket at Hugo Ray Park, one of the best cricket grounds in Canada. Cricket lacks adequate training/playing facilities in Canada, and the proposed redevelopment of Hugo Ray Park will have a significant negative impact on the future of cricket.
PLEASE PRINT AND SIGN THE ATTACHED PETITION.
Examples of comments are “save the ground for cricket” or “leave Hugo Ray Park with real grass”. The signed petitions can be dropped off at Hugo Ray Park during the next two weeks of play-offs (no later than September 16th).
Contact Alex Turko if you have any questions (778-229-7858 alexturko@shaw.ca)
The above is from the British Columbia Mainland Cricket League web site.
Cricketers from across Canada are urged to support the BCML in their efforts to hold on to a valued cricket field in the Vancouver area.
See photograph of the Hugo Ray Park cricket field at http://www.bcmcl.org/images/Grounds/HugoRay1.jpg
The petition form can be located at http://www.bcmcl.org/images/SAVEHUGORAY.pdf
Thanks JH
Toronto police battle on cricket field -- Posted Saturday, September 8 2007
Councillor Joe Mihevc will be defending the wicket with his bat against the local police next Sunday, Sept. 16 in a friendly match of cricket.
The community is invited to watch Team Mihevc play against 13 Division police officers as well as to come out for the all-day barbecue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cedarvale Ravine, 1611 Bathurst St.
"It's a great social event," said Mihevc, who said he is looking forward to both playing on the cricket field, or cricket pitch as it's known, and mingling off the pitch with local residents. "It's a great way to start the fall."
Whether his team will come out victorious is still a big question mark, but Mihevc anticipated playing a hard-fought game.
"I'm new to the sport to be quite frank, but I really like it," he said. "It's more action-filled than baseball is. There's always something happening."
Staff Insp. David McLeod of 13 Division said he is also a big fan and hoped this cricket match and community barbecue will become an annual event to help sustain good relations between the police and neighbouring residents.
More importantly, McLeod wanted to see the local youth get excited about cricket, and possibly be reintroduced into schools, by seeing them play on Sunday.
But he asked anyone watching to bear in mind that many of the players out on the field, including himself, are not in their prime age to play.
"It'll be the slower version of a faster game," McLeod joked.
Everyone is invited to watch the match and attend the barbecue
Article by CLARK KIM
Sourced from:-
http://www.scarboroughmirror.com/News/York/article/30984
West Vancouver CC - some history -- Posted Thursday, September 6 2007
The West Vancouver Cricket Club, located on the “Riviera of the West Coast”, has in the few years since its inception earned itself the reputation for playing gay and carefree cricket. As a result the West Vancouver CC has neither won a championship nor stands in any danger of winning one.
The West Vancouver CC was formed in 1955 by three Kerrisdale players, Tom Guy, Dr. George Mott and John Able, who felt that there was enough potential in the area to form a club. That summer a series of friendly fixtures was played against other clubs in the mainland league, using a small nucleus and borrowed players. The response was so favourable that in 1956 a full “A” team was entered in to the league. In 1957, a team was entered in both the “A” and “B” divisions and in the early 1960’s the club fielded three teams for a number of years. However, this was later cut back to the present two teams. Any West Vancouver player will point out that the lack of championship points up the rather holiday air that West Vancouver brings to its cricket.
The ground itself will be found, at high tide, 100 yards from the beach with the scenic North Shore Mountains rising almost from the other edge of the ground. As far as beauty is concerned, few grounds can compare. A new ground is under construction a little higher into the mountains which should be ready in a few years and it is hoped that this one will be the permanent home of the West Vancouver CC with full playing, practicing and social facilities. There is no truth to the old story that the submarine ball was first discovered at West Vancouver’s Ambleside pitch during high tide.
West Vancouver boasts one of the largest junior programs in B.C. and every year the number of teams increase. Four teams are entered in the Saturday morning league of three divisions and cricket is gaining a continually stronger hold in the two high schools where it is played. It is notable that all the coaches and managers of these teams are from West Vancouver. The first results of this extensive program are now evident, as this summer two West Vancouver boys, Russell Webb and Robin Hart, will tour England with the Canadian Colts. Of this aspect of its cricket, West Vancouver is justifiably proud.
The future looks bright for West Vancouver, as the team is gaining every year in both numbers and strength, and it is possible, just possible, that in the near future the league championship will come for the first time in many years to this side of the inlet.
Here is what the BCMCL 1967 Centennial Handbook has to say about Vancouver Cricket Club:
Vancouver Cricket Club
Ground: Douglas Park
Captain: K. Akroyd
Captain B Team: N. Stewart
Vancouver Cricket Club was the first one founded in the City and the founding meeting was held in 1889 [Editors note: subsequent research by Hal Cluff at the Vancouver Archives established that the Club was actually founded in 1888] under the presidency of D. Oppenheimer, who served three terms as mayor of the city in its early days.
On the Club Committee were some prominent local players who subsequently went on to fame and fortune. Of those present at that first meeting, the following will be known:
Charles Woodward – founder of Woodward’s Stores
R.G. Tatlow – who later became Finance Minister in the McBride-Bower Government
H.G. Finnes Clinton – later the first rector of St. James Anglican Church
C. Gardner Johnson – who gave his name to the Gardner Johnson Shield
From 1892 until 1913 the Club held a lease on Brockton Point and was in fact the prime developer of this lovely ground, which has been the site of much entertaining cricket over the past 75 years.
The B.C. Mainland League was formed in 1913 and the Club played in the first full season of league play (1914) and were champions that year and again in 1916 and 1917.
Unfortunately the Club seems to have had somewhat of a chequered career and more than once has been revived from almost complete demise. Because of this, it has been most difficult to obtain information regarding the Club’s activities and membership over the years, mainly because the records now in possession of the secretary only go back as far as 1962. Numerous enquiries have not brought any earlier records to light and it would be greatly appreciated if anyone with information regarding the Club history would contact the secretary.
After a good start in the Mainland League, the Club did not again win the Championship and in fact, from a perusal of the schedules from 1926 onwards, seemed to altogether disappear from 1929 until 1941 when under the captaincy of E.A. Quinn, the Club won the Fyfe Smith Shield for the first time and in the following year repeated the feat.
The playing fortunes of the club fluctuated between 1941 and 1948 and in the latter; it was champion of the 2nd Division. Promotion to the 1st Division was obtained in 1951 and in 1952 two elevens were entered, one in each division.
Tom Brierly won the Bradman Trophy in this year for his performance in the 1st Division but it wasn’t until 1960 that a club member again won a league trophy. This time it was awarded to Harry Stead for taking 86 wickets at a cost of 7.98 runs each during the season. In this year also, for the third time, the Fyfe Smith Shield was won by Vancouver CC.
Latterly the club has unfortunately not performed particularly well on the field of play but the membership which is now pushing 60 under the presidency of Alan Stead, will attest to the fact that the social activities under the able chairmanship of Cy Phillips, have in recent years made up for our lack of success with the leather and willow.”
In the last two issues of The Sporting Declaration we re-printed articles from the BCMCL’s 1967 Canada Centennial Commerative Handbook. In 1988 BCMCL issued another Commerative Handbook celebrating 100 years of cricket in Vancouver. The following article appeared:
“The earliest record of cricket in Vancouver is a match played on the Cambie Street grounds on Dominion Day in 1887 between a Vancouver team captained by Charlie Gardner Johnson and a team from Victoria. The bus terminal now sits on these grounds [Editors Note: the bus terminal has since moved to Main Street and the Cambie Grounds are currently a parking lot] and cricketers still commemorate Mr. Gardiner Johnson by the presentation of annually of shield in his honour. [Editors Note: regrettably this shield is no longer awarded] Other grounds in use at the time was one where City Hall presently stands and one near what was George Black’s hotel on Hastings, where a game between Vancouver and Victoria was played in 1890.
Prepared pitches as we presently know them were non-existent in British Columbia in those days and current exponents of the game would have found conditions hardly to their liking. There was no grass; matting was laid on gravel and one faced a very lumpy crease with an even worse outfield. That was the order of the day as far as grounds were concerned. One is forced to ponder a hundred years later whether players of today would keep going under such conditions. [Editors Note: in 1988 cricket was still played on matting laid on grass; the League started to install artificial wickets in the early 1990’s]
Fixtures were arranged with Calgary, Winnipeg, California, Langley and Mission but it is not clear how many of these games materialized. We do know that friendly encounters were held with New Westminster, Victoria, Nanaimo, Portland, Tacoma and Seattle.
When Campbell Sweeney looked around in 1887 for a suitable ground and chose Brockton Point over Lost Lagoon he probably did not have the slightest idea of how popular his choice would turn out to be. On seeing the ground while on tour in 1932, Sir Donald Bradman said “Brockton Point has the most beautiful ground I know … no doubt I am in danger of being outlawed by champions of lovely Adelaide Oval and other choice spots, but I can’t help that – Brockton Point for me … quite seriously, it is just about incomparable.”
Having gathered together $3000 by subscription, and gaining permission from the city, the ground was cleared by Mr. Sweeney and his band of volunteers. It was a tremendous undertaking, cutting and clearing the ground out of a primeval forest. Present day facilities were non-existent at that time and most of the work was done by manual labour and with oxen. One must bear in mind that there was no road to Brockton Point at that time and access was by means of a primitive form of ferry from the vicinity of what is now Carrall Street, about two miles away, to appreciate the enormousness of the task undertaken. The group gave liberally of their time, money and labour to develop the site. Work took several years and in August 1892 the first cricket game Vancouver vs. California was played. By 1893 the nucleus of a pavilion had been built at Brockton Point and the pavilion was formally opened with a match against Victoria.
We salute Mr. Sweeney and his volunteers for the legacy they have left us. Their's was no easy task, but because of the dedication and determination, today we have a facility which cricketers can be justly proud of.
More extracts from the 1988 BCMCL Handbook Celebrating 100 years of Cricket in Vancouver:
“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 Australian and MCC sides.”
“Ray Robins, a solid and steady batsman for West Vancouver, figured in the averages eight times from 1957 – 68 and topped the first division averages in 1963.” Ray is now our Honourary President and the first division is now known as the Premier Division.
“Mike Pearson, … who learned his cricket in Vancouver and played for West Vancouver appeared in the averages six times” in the 1960’ and 1970’s. “Bob Crawford, also of West Vancouver … made the batting averages six times in the 1970’s.”
In the 1970’s and 1980’s “Dave Simmons of Vancouver CC, an all-rounder who has already made the batting averages eight times and the bowling averages 9 times since 1974. Other consistent performers are Steve Miller and Frank Jarman of West Vancouver…”. Dave and Frank continue to play regularly for the Club.
The L. D. Taylor Cup
Now that WVVCC is back in the Premier Division we will once again be competing for the L.D. Taylor Cup, first won by Vancouver CC in 1914, the inaugural year of the BCMCL.
Who, I hear you ask, was L.D. Taylor? The following is taken from an article in the Vancouver Sun of December 2, 2002 written by Trevor Boddy:
“One of the mayors who most shaped Vancouver was Louis Denison Taylor, who served several sporadic terms between 1910 and 1934. When Taylor was not mayoring, he was an editor and publisher of newspapers, including the Critic and the Vancouver World, bought by the Vancouver Sun in 1924. American-born and therefore flamboyant by the standards of still-Presbyterian Vancouver, Taylor had a taste for building, commissioning the Pender Street headquarters for his newspaper; a fine mock-copper-domed structure bedecked with the enticing “Nine Maidens” caryatids. Now known as the Sun Tower, at completion it was the tallest office tower in the British Empire.
His civic good works include the opening of the Sea Island airport, now YVR – Vancouver’s international airport. His most important legacy was likely his amalgamation campaign for union with the then-separate municipalities of Point Grey and South Vancouver.”
British Columbia Cricket Club
The year 2003 marks the 35th Anniversary of the B.C. Cricket Club. For those of you who may not know the history of the B.C.C.C. the following is a brief description.
In 1968 Cliff Cox invited a few cricket enthusiasts to a discussion period on the feasibility of forming a cricket club simply to go on tours. The thought behind it being that, under the team selection process at that time, very few players had an opportunity to get selected and go anywhere for representative competition.
Hence the Club was formed by Cliff and Bob Jackson as treasurer/secretary. The first tour of England in 1969 included such well known players as Ellis Jorssen, Mike Brooke, Peter Lissett, Ashley Windsor, Trish Chivers, Dick Griffin, Rodan Singh, Dennis Bellanie, Don Tanner, Maurice Newby, Ben Seebaran, Chris Goodwin, Ron Waters and Maurice Dexter (Umpire) and Cliff Cox, Manager/Player. It proved to be a huge success and since then we have provided an opportunity for numerous players and friends to go on over 30 tours throughout the world.
To celebrate “2003” we are planning to attend the “Vintage Cricket Carnival” in Adelaide, Australia March 2–8, 2003 followed by a week in Tasmania or a third week Melbourne for the Australian Veterans Carnival March 16-21, 2003.
Editors Note:
Bob Jackson, the original treasurer/secretary of BCCC was a former West Vancouver CC member. Other current and former WVVCC, WVCC and VCC players who have participated in BCCC tours include: Tony Bateman, Sandy Forrest, Don Tanner (a member of the original 1968 team), Peter Hanlon, David Simmons, Graham Lifton, David Baldwin, Lloyd Edwards, Rodan Singh (also a member of the original 1968 team), Bill Baker, Frank Jarman, Nigel Wood, Eric Gledden, Bob Scott, Stephen Deare, David Botwright, Ron Collins, Don Hemmings, Joe Pescott, Rai Dadiala, Basil Statia, Merv Patterson, Bill Poucher, John Fenton, Ralph Wallis, Dick Hayton, M. Dexter and J. Pearson.
From Don Tanner:
TO THE PRESIDENT, LIFE MEMBERS & MEMBERS OF WEST VANCOUVER CRICKET CLUB.
I wish to express my thanks and sincere gratitude for the honour bestowed on me last month, by the Club appointing me a Life Member.
I am pleased that my services to the B. C. cricket community in general, and especially to the Vancouver Juniors were recognized in the presentation ceremony.
However, I suppose that the major achievement, with which I have been associated, is the amalgamation of the Vancouver Cricket Club with West Vancouver Cricket Club some years ago. I was President of Vancouver C.C. at the time, and as it was the oldest club (I believe of any sport) in Vancouver, with a proud and independent tradition, it was far from easy to convince all of its members that joining forces with West Vancouver was the best, and probably the only course to follow under the circumstances it was facing. There were skeptics and dissidents in both Clubs, but with goodwill and common sense prevailing, the amalgamation was pushed through in 1997. Looking back on it now, I doubt that anyone can maintain that it has not been a complete success.
So I am particularly grateful that I should be the first of a now dwindling band of former Vancouver Cricket Club members to be granted the honour of Life Membership in the West Vancouver Cricket Club. I thank West Vancouver Cricket Club for its kindness, commend it for its excellent management, and wish it ongoing success in all its endeavours in the future.
Artical sourced from:-
http://wvcc.ca/jj/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=34
Dassanayake new Canadian National Coach -- Posted Wednesday, September 5 2007
The Canadian Cricket Association has named Pubudu Dassanayake as Canada’s new National Cricket Coach. The popular former Sri Lankan test and ODI player Dassanayke played for Canada in the 2005 ICC Trophy. He has subsequently appeared in ICC Intercontinental Cup matches for Canada, and in 2006 assisted then National Coach Andy Pick.
Pubudu Dassanayake was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka in July 1970. He played 11 tests for Sri Lanka in 1993 and 1994. His highest score was 36 runs against India at Lucknow. He took 19 catches and made 5 stumpings in these tests as a wicketkeeper. His 16 ODIs included a highest score of 20 runs not out, also against India.
He has made 4 centuries, with a highest score of 144 against Pandura Sports Club, in 108 first-class matches. He has mostly played as a wicketkeeper, taking 192 catches and making 35 stumpings, but some of his catches came as a regular fielder for Canada in the Intercontinental Cup. He held three catches in the Kenyan first innings at Maple Leaf CC in 2006.
Currently, Dassanayake captains Centurions in the Premier Division of the Toronto and District Cricket Association. This summer he coached the Canadian senior side and made coaching contributions to the Under-19 team. He spent part of the Labour Day holiday (Sept 3) giving support to Centurions Under-19 team that went on to win the T&D Under-19 Championship match against Ontario Cricket Academy. On Wednesday he will be coaching the available Senior National team players at a net practice.
Hopefully, he can help continue the progress the national team has made, despite the constraints and issues that presently surround the game in Canada. The real need is for proper planning and infrastructure across administration, coaching, player development, promotion of the sport and securing proper financing. There is tremendous potential.
The Toronto-based Consul General of India recently talked of the potential for Canada to host a Cricket World Cup in the future. Someone with powerful financial standing attended part of the final day of the Canadian Universities and Colleges championship! But who from the Canadian Cricket Association, or the ground authority spoke to that visitor?
For now, Pubudu Dassanayake will be leading a depleted squad to Kenya and Namibia for some important matches in October. Hopefully, the players will dig deep and come up with some performances similar, or even better, than those in South Africa in late 2006.
Eddie Norfolk
Canada appoint new coach - at last -- Posted Tuesday, September 4 2007
Canada have finally appointed a new coach, after a five-month search to replace Andy Pick. Pubudu Dassanayake, their temporary coach, has been appointed in the permanent position which will take effect on October 1.
Back in May, Pick urged the CCA to move quickly to appoint a coach to give themselves the best chance of qualification for the next World Cup. Pick, who had a year's sabbatical from his ECB role to take Canada to the 2007 World Cup, warned that missing out would be "a massive step backwards".
Critics may say that CCA, knowing Pick's contract was to expire, could have acted sooner to replace him. In response, a CCA spokesperson told Cricinfo: "The CCA prefers not to comment on the timelines in the appointment process - elements which are now behind us and in the past. It's far more important to appoint the right person for the position and to avoid taking hurried, and potentially incorrect, decisions. We believe we have achieved exactly that."
Now it is up to Canada to move forward, and move fast. The good news is that in Dassanayake, they have found both an experienced coach and player. Dassanayake emigrated to Canada from his native Sri Lanka in 2001. He played 108 first-class matches, including 11 Tests and 16 ODIs for Sri Lanka, mainly as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He also represented Canada in 2005 and 2006, captaining the national team in 2005.
He brings to the position coaching experience from both Sri Lanka and Canada and has also been a specialist wicketkeeping coach at the Sri Lanka Cricket Academy and a member of the SLCA's Panel overseeing the development of fast bowlers in the country. He has also served as coach of the Junior Elite Program across Canada.
Ben Sennik, the board's president, said: "We're very pleased to have arrived at a 'made-in-Canada' solution for our next national coach. It's clear to all involved - both internationally and within Canada - that the game is growing rapidly here.
"We need an experienced individual in place to provide the guidance to our seniors and junior cricketers. Pubudu knows the Canadian cricket scene well, and we're confident that he'll do an excellent job for cricket in Canada."
Meanwhile, Canada's search for a new chief executive continues - but there are encouraging signs there, too, as the spokesperson confirmed: "We expect to be able to make an announcement within weeks rather than months."
Jenny Thompson
Assistant editor of Cricinfo
Article sourced from:-
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/canada/content/story/308881.html
Dassanayake coaching (photo from Eddie Norfolk)
Centurions Under-19s champions -- Posted Tuesday, September 4 2007
Centurions are Under-19s champion of the Toronto and District Cricket Association, after beating the Ontario Cricket Academy (OCA) by 7 wickets on Monday (Sept 3).
Centurions kept the OCA to just 90 runs for 9 wickets in 40 overs, then responded/replied with 91 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 24 overs. Canadian Under-19 international Ruvindu Gunaskera made 57 runs not out.
Mohammed took 3 wickets for 11 runs, bowling for Centurions.The highest scorer for the OCA was extras. There were 47 wides in 50 extras. An unusual number for such a low overall score
The Toronto Cricket Academy (TCA) beat Malton by ten wickets in the Under-15 final. Naveem making 46 not out as the TCA reached 84 runs for no wicket to win in the 20th over.
The Ontario Cricket Academy beat North Star at the Under-13 level. North Star opted to bat first after winning the toss, then struggled to reach a score of 65 runs for 9 wickets in the allotted 25 overs.
The Under-17 final did not take place as scheduled.
North Star proved an enterprising club, sending out invites to a number of people to attend the finals and providing refreshments for such guests, including lunch.
Eddie Norfolk
 Under 13s |  Under 13s |
 Under 15s |  Under 19s |
Adastrians win Quebec KO Cup Final -- Posted Tuesday, September 4 2007
Adastrians won the Quebec Cricket Federation Premier Division KO Cup Final series by 2 matches to 0 against AAT. The series was played as best-of-three one-day matches at Parc Raymond Park, LaSalle, Montreal. Adastrians win the Davidson Cup.
Montreal Blues beat Adastrians A team by 2 matches to 0 in the Senior A Division KO Cup. The Senior B Division Series, between Montreal Caribbean Sports (MCSO) and PakCan is tied at 1 game each. The deciding match will be played at Atwater Reservoir, Verdun.
Eddie Norfolk
Maple Leaf Cricket Club -- Posted Tuesday, September 4 2007
Maple Leaf Cricket Club has successfully hosted IC Cup games for the CCA. There was a tremendous amount of work and in spite of given the fragile nature of finances and resources, our overall performance has been excellent.
UAE, Netherlands as well Canadian teams were served well with excellent pitches, good catering, ground staffs and some excellent junior volunteers. We were able to provide internet connection so that live scores could be broadcast.
Austin Ward and his staffs provided the players with the best pitches and super fast out fields. Sanjam Suri, Neil Saini, and Usman Limbada were the most dedicated juniors who helped us manage the event.
I wish to thank the fee paying TDCA players, both past and present, for creating an outstanding facility that is second to none for playing conditions. Maple Leaf cricket Club has also hosted a very successful Maple Leaf 20/20 Cricket Tournament for the TDCA. Parking facilities have been extended.
The initial design and cost estimate phase to put turf nets is under review. Once the estimate and design is complete, I will be forwarding the project report to the board for approval.
On the side of improvements that still need to be made are the on-going problem with the sight screens. We are having difficulty due to lack of funds and are trying to be creative so that costs can be kept low. On the weekend, Mr. Mike Kendall, the OCA President OCA came to visit Maple Leaf and has reviewed the facilities and the on going continual improvement initiatives, as well as new projects that are under consideration.
This morning, I have communicated with Ed Bracht to have his input before launching new projects so that any issues related to the trust agreement are resolved prior to initiating any new project that includes any capital spending. I would like to propose the making of a think tank to be called “Friends of the Maple Leaf”. This group will have the mandate to discuss plans for improvements at Maple Leaf Cricket Club and provide ideas for the improvement of Canadian Cricket. The group will also include persons who are generally reluctant or don’t have the time to run for any office. I hope you will support this initiative in the next board meeting. This group should include persons who have business, marketing, development, municipal, other sport, and cricket association representatives etcetera.
The final decision to accept, modify, or reject recommendations will always rest with the board. I feel Maple Leaf Cricket Club is ideally situated to become the “Centre of Cricket Excellence”. In the next board meeting we need to discuss this matter, and if accepted, start to work on a plan to achieve our objectives.
Financially speaking, the hosting of these games doesn’t make business sense. As you are aware that for each day that is lost by TDCA to host its games, TDCA has to go and rent grounds elsewhere. We at Maple Leaf have to cover that expense by refunding certain fixed amounts.
International games take up 2 grounds to play one match. Thus there is no gain made by MLCC. In addition we are also required to pick up several other expenses and provide staff, as well as volunteers. Weekend games at MLCC are a net loss and since TDCA in the end has to ensure that MLCC stays in the black, the TDCA in fact becomes the host. We have responsibilities towards OCA, CCA, and ICC to do our best to host games in Canada at a reasonable cost. I will be initiating discussion with the CCA to find other ways of meeting our costs so that TDCA does not continue to become the most expensive league to play cricket in Canada.
Maple Leaf Cricket Club has the following objectives:
1. Provide Best Quality Cricket Grounds and enjoyable playing environment for its Members.
2. Become the most advanced and best equipped facility to train players in North America. (Centre of Cricket Excellence)
3. Be financially self reliant and reduce/eliminate financial burden on TDCA
4. Be a host to higher level games for OCA, CCA, ICC, and other cricket organisation. I want to thank all those who came to MLCC during and before these matches and provided us with their support.
Ranjit Saini.
President, MLCC
Article edited by JH and sourced from:- http://www.cricketstar.net/tdca
Canada's World Cup qualifying campaign -- Posted Monday, September 3 2007
Canada appoint new coach - at last
Jenny Thompson
August 29, 2007
Canada have finally appointed a new coach, after a five-month search to replace Andy Pick. Pubudu Dassanayake, their temporary coach, has been appointed in the permanent position which will take effect on October 1.
Back in May, Pick urged the CCA to move quickly to appoint a coach to give themselves the best chance of qualification for the next World Cup. Pick, who had a year's sabbatical from his ECB role to take Canada to the 2007 World Cup, warned that missing out would be "a massive step backwards".
Critics may say that CCA, knowing Pick's contract was to expire, could have acted sooner to replace him. In response, a CCA spokesperson told Cricinfo: "The CCA prefers not to comment on the timelines in the appointment process - elements which are now behind us and in the past. It's far more important to appoint the right person for the position and to avoid taking hurried, and potentially incorrect, decisions. We believe we have achieved exactly that."
Now it is up to Canada to move forward, and move fast. The good news is that in Dassanayake, they have found both an experienced coach and player. Dassanayake emigrated to Canada from his native Sri Lanka in 2001. He played 108 first-class matches, including 11 Tests and 16 ODIs for Sri Lanka, mainly as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He also represented Canada in 2005 and 2006, captaining the national team in 2005.
He brings to the position coaching experience from both Sri Lanka and Canada and has also been a specialist wicketkeeping coach at the Sri Lanka Cricket Academy and a member of the SLCA's Panel overseeing the development of fast bowlers in the country. He has also served as coach of the Junior Elite Program across Canada.
Ben Sennik, the board's president, said: "We're very pleased to have arrived at a 'made-in-Canada' solution for our next national coach. It's clear to all involved - both internationally and within Canada - that the game is growing rapidly here.
"We need an experienced individual in place to provide the guidance to our seniors and junior cricketers. Pubudu knows the Canadian cricket scene well, and we're confident that he'll do an excellent job for cricket in Canada."
Meanwhile, Canada's search for a new chief executive continues - but there are encouraging signs there, too, as the spokesperson confirmed: "We expect to be able to make an announcement within weeks rather than months."
Jenny Thompson is assistant editor of Cricinfo
Quebec Knock-out Premier Competition -- Posted Sunday, September 2 2007
Adastrians beat AAT by 5 wickets in the first of the best-of-three knock-out cup Final in the Quebec Cricket Federation. AAT made 160 runs at Parc Raymond Park, La Salle, Montreal.
(Adastrians B team lost in the First Division KO Cup first game.)
Toronto and District Junior Playoffs
As a result of Saturday's matches, line-up on Sunday for matches at Sunnybrook Park, Toronto, is:
Under-15 Semi-finals
Mississagua Ramblers v Malton (9 am)
Ontario Cricket Academy v Toronto Cricket Academy (2.30 pm)
Under-17 Semi-Finals
Malton v Toronto Cricket Academy (9 am)
Cavaliers v Mississauga Ramblers (2.30 pm)
Under-19 Semi-finals
Ontario Cricket Academy v Mississauga Ramblers (9 am)
Centurions B v Victoria Park
Matches are 35-overs a side today (Sun).
FINALS are on Monday Sept 3 at Sunnybrook Park, featuring winners of matches on Sunday in U15, U17, and U19, plus Ontario Cricket Academy v North Star CC at Under-13 level.
Eddie Norfolk
Cricket at the Olympics -- Posted Sunday, September 2 2007
Cricket's world governing body is seeking membership of the International Olympic Committee so Twenty20 matches can be part of future Games.
"The long-term objective is to have cricket in the Olympics," International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed told reporters in India.
Cricket was last part of the Olympics in Paris in 1900 when Great Britain beat France to take the gold medal.
But it is due to be played at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Three years ago, the England and Wales Cricket Board began a campaign to have Twenty20 cricket included in future Olympics, prior to London being awarded the 2012 Games.
But although archery will be staged at Lord's when the British capital hosts the Olympics, there is no possibility of cricket being added to the list of sports to be contested.
A total of 26 sports have been approved for London after baseball and softball were dropped from the list and squash, karate, rugby union sevens, golf and roller skating failed to poll enough votes among IOC members to replace them.
Twenty20 cricket is the shortest form of the game and was designed to attract a younger audience, with matches lasting only three hours in total.
Most of the major cricket-playing nations now have their own tournaments and next month South Africa will stage the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, featuring 12 teams.
"For cricket to be in the Olympics, Twenty20 will be the ideal format because we can play the tournament in two weeks which is also the duration of the Olympics," Speed added.
The ICC's hopes its application for membership will be heard later this year.
"IOC recognition for cricket is a potentially significant benefit for many of our members as it could allow them to access new streams of funding that, as a non-IOC sport, may not be currently available.
"We hope to have our application heard soon but we recognize that the idea of cricket returning to the Olympics is some way from reality at this stage," a spokesman said.
Article sourced from:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/6968673.stm
Twenty20 Royal Cricket Cup -- Posted Saturday, September 1 2007
Twenty20 Royal Cricket Cup
EVENT DETAILS
Motto: of the 2007 Twenty 20 Royal cricket cup is Unity.
Venue:
The Twenty 20 Royal cricket cup will be played from August 31st to Septemner 9th, 2007 in the beautiful grounds of King City.
Participants:
24 teams from across Canada will compete in 41 games over the course of four days
Over 25,000 fans are expected to attend from all provinces of Canada, as well as visitors from New York, California, etc.
History:
Last year we successfully conducted our inaugural Royal Cricket Cup. B4u was the winner of the Royal Cricket Cup 2006, and won $30,000 worth of prizes. Our man of the series Asif Mullaha won a brand new car (2006 model) and later on was selected for the Canadian national side.
Tournament Schedule
August 31, 2007 Tuesday from 10:00am
September 01, 2007 Wednesday from10:00am
September 02, 2007 Thursday from 10:00am
September 03, 2007 Friday from 10:00am
September 04, 2007 Saturday from 10:00am
Final will be held on
Sunday September 09, 2007 at 12:00 noon
Note: All matches will be held at the King City grounds.
Contact infromation
Ph: (905) 678 – 2992
Fax:(905) 678 – 9292
7040 Torbram Road Suite No.9 Mississauga, Ont. L4T 3Z4
E-mail: contact@twenty20royalcup.com
Websites:
www.twenty20royalcricketcup.com
www.royalcricketcup.com
