I’m one of those idiots who stayed up until 4am to watch my team lose a one day cricket tournament decider. Did I regret it? Not for a second.
Once again, one day international cricket has delivered the entertainment goods. What a format. What an awesome feast of cricket packed into just one day.
What a way to wrap up an exciting series between the world’s top two ranked teams.
Yep, I am still happy for the experience.
The one day cricket format is a brilliant one. It’s had its knockers over the years and many are as vocal as ever now that T20 cricket has muscled its way in on the limited overs scene.
Is it still relevant? If we are going to reduce the amount of cricket played, is this the one to go?
If you ask me, this brilliant format we’ve been enjoying for more than 42 years ain’t going nowhere.
I’ve chuckled to myself a few times recently, observing the mockers on various social networks and websites, commenting that “the format is a joke” and it’s not “real cricket”.
I wonder if they even experienced some of the greatest moments in cricket history.
Like the time Michael Bevan hit a four at the SCG off the last ball to defeat the invincible West Indies, or the time Herschelle Gibbs spilled a catch off Steve Waugh, in which urban legend says ‘iceman’ Waugh told him he had just “dropped the World Cup”.
What about the “game of the century” in the 1999 World Cup, when Australia and South Africa tied a low scoring nail-biter of a match after various heroics from Klusener, Warne and co.
Was that “real cricket”?
As a diehard cricket tragic, I say “hell yeah”.
Bring it on – the Andrew Symonds run outs, the Ponting diving catches, the Jonty Rhodes smashing into the stumps like Superman, the Brett Lee bouncers hitting batsmen’s helmets as they ricocheted into the stumps, the Bevans, Kluseners, Husseys and Gilchrists letting loose and entertaining us with thrilling cricket along with modern day talents like Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner, to name just a few.
If this format ever dies, a part of me will die with it. For as long as I can remember, ODIs have the ability of creating that magic, that rivalry, competition, athleticism and excitement – all packed into just one day.
Don’t get your knickers in a knot – nothing beats Test cricket.
It’s the purest form of the game with all the history, twists and turns and chess-like strategy that can’t be beat.
But damn, what a beautiful game 50 over cricket is. Thanks for the memories – past, present and future. Long live the pyjama game!
davros
Guest
thanks for that will ...I appreciate the term elipses...I have never heard of it before ...just shows you ..you never stop learning ...cheers
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
They will all stick around, we just have to find a balance.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
50/50 is becoming so so for me. Too many rule changes that make bowlers fodder for huge thick bats But then again, the pitches in India were also to blame as the Ryobi Cup did not have those issues
Zubes
Guest
Hmmm... Lets see, T20 making for more aggressive batsmen, 2 powerful batting lineups with no stand out bowler on either side and you're surprised at the scores achieved? Lets be honest, it's because of India all 3 formats of the game will survive. Test cricket is more valuable now because we have the variety of the short forms. So I say THANK YOU INDIA!!!!
Aakash bhat
Guest
I love cricket
Will
Guest
You need to learn the difference between an elipsis and a full stop.
davros
Guest
yes I prefer one day to t 20 ..tests are the most pure form ...I find I am getting more enjoyment from watching local domestic one dayers than series like what has just gone on in india...I actually cancelled my fox sport anyway....didn't need them for Ryobi...I think I knew the indian series was not going to be a good balance between ball and bat ...played on mud baked roads with massive scores chased down ...bolwlers as cannon fodder ...the indian model of cricket for mine in regard to so many facets of the game ...really just holds no appeal for me....maybe trying to win a test series there might be the only thing ....and then you have subcntinental bullying and co....tion;....anyway I enjoy domestic one dayers ..so great to see the showcase of our young playrs coming thru...especially when there is a good balnce between ball and Bat
AlanKC
Guest
That's alright - I sat up watching the Wallabies play England...
Jo M
Guest
Test cricket is the most important form of the game without a doubt. All the bloodshot eyes from those of us that stayed up to watch the the last series in England will tell you that. I am also another one of those that stayed up to watch the final ODI. Was going to go to bed at 1.30am and then it started getting interesting, so you think "just a little bit longer" and end up going to bed another 2 hours later. We were also at the game at the SCG where Bevan hit the 4 off the last ball. I would say that is still one of the most exciting games I have ever been at. I would much rather watch a game like that (and my beloved test cricket) than any of the T20 games that are over so quickly. Just me though.
captainBokster!
Guest
Long live test cricket period!India is destroying the shorter formats with there roads for pitches Zero credibility in those records being smashed in India!this article has awesome moments of ODI games but let's not hold other formats above test cricket its all ready in a bad space in its history!