Just over a month into series two of the Big Bash League, here are a few thoughts.
Even as a hardened Twenty20 cynic, I have reached a middle ground. The Big Bash League has delivered on its promise – there has been plenty of action and entertainment.
There has been passion and commitment from the players and the cricket has been competitive. Heading into the final few games and franchises are still jockeying for positions.
Great cynicism has led to greater joy.
Still, I know of ardent cricket fans who have stayed away. T20 remains an abnormality for many, with some still worried it might consign Test cricket, their beloved form, to insignificance.
But the commercial success of the tournament should not simply be measured by how many are watching in the stands. It should also come down to how many are watching on television.
One of the remarkable aspects of the tournament has been how much passion has spilled over on to the paddock.
Whether you think Shane Warne and Marlon Samuels were in the wrong you can’t argue that both player stood their ground in what proved to be a dramatic yet enthralling battle on the pitch. Emotion in sport is a wonderful thing.
One of the most disappointing aspects, however, has been the lack of interaction with the fans. Remember the Mercantile Mutual Cup (currently known as the Ryobi One-Day Cup) ‘hit the sign’ initiative? A cash prize was awarded to a player who could strike one of eight signs positioned around the ground on the full.
What about the ‘catch the six’ campaign. A cash prize was offered to a spectator who can caught a six hit into the crowd.
Aaron Finch’s hundred is clearly the best knock tournament so far. Including 12 fours and four sixes in his 65 ball knock, it was not merely the number that impressed, but the ease with which he hit them.
T20 continues to reveal itself as a captain’s game. Not erudite in the manner of Test cricket, but it requires plenty of decision-making in a short time. Captains need to be in the game all the time. They need to be calm, clear-headed and flexible. One bowling change or field placement can turn a game, just as one could lose it.
Although only two seasons old, the Big Bash must continue to evolve. Cricket Australia’s hierarchy must continue to look after those – the fans – that make the game what it is, and, most importantly, what it could be.
Don Corleone
Guest
The Adelaide Oval redevelopment will have an impact on the average attendance compared to last year.
Charlie W
Guest
Total Big Bash attendances per venue this season so far, with 3 games left : MCG : 85,705/4 (no. of games)=21,426 (av. per game) GABBA : 63,589/4=15,897 SCG : 53,142/4=13,286 Etihad : 50,743/4=13,184 B.Oval : 48,384/4=12,096 A.Oval : 47,439/4=11,860 WACA : 46,154/4=11,539 ANZ : 41,110/4=10,278 Total Att. so far = 444,098/32 = 13,878 av. per game & last years total Big Bash attendance figures per venue : MCG : 109,696/4 (no. of games)=27,424 (av. per game) A.Oval : 65,893/3=21,964 SCG : 60,275/3=20,092 ANZ : 73,693/4=18,423 Gabba : 68,286/4=17,072 WACA : 76,194/5=15,239 Etihad : 39,971/3=13,324 B.Oval : 56,254/5=11,251 Final Total Att. = 550,220/31 = 17,749 av. per game
Matt F
Roar Guru
The Sixers actually got their highest crowd for the season on Tuesday so I don't think it's form related
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
The crowd figures are interesting to look at. Keep in mind that most comps will have a bit of a second year syndrome where interest drops after the initial season. Strikers have dropped significantly, but the Adelaide Oval is mostly a building site this season, so there's a valid reason for that drop. Heat have dropped a little. Hurricanes have actually increased. Inclusion of Ponting a factor perhaps? Renegades are almost exactly the same as last year. Stars have dropped significantly (although balance that with recording a record attendance the other night). Scorchers have dropped a bit. How much was affected by that game that was very nearly a wash-out? Sixers have dropped significantly. Attributable to their poor form perhaps? Thunder have dropped a fair bit. And let's be honest, the fact that anyone turns up to Thunder games at the moment is one of life's great mysteries. So I reckon that if CA can open up a slot where the top players can take part and start the comp at Christmas time, there should be reason for cautious optimism about crowds.
Justin Ware
Roar Rookie
Wesley is right on that
Tenash
Guest
the BBL this year has been a purists delight . the bowlers have dominated this second season. The crowd average has steadily risen and is averaging nearly 14000 after 30 games. While the pay tv ratings are averaging bet. 225-230k after 30 games, which are the second highest of any sport only behind the NRL avg of 255k.
Wesley from gundagai
Guest
I find it absolutely disgusting that the main comp in Aus cricket right now collided with the Tests series with the Lankans (who were useless needless to say). It meant that we missed out on seeing the top Aussie talent performing in the big bash, I think crowds would improve if the Aus cricket team were available for their relevant team. CA should have a good hard look at themselves and plan these competitions better, it will only benefit them if they did this