Hi all – while I am unimpressed with the “Big Three” gaining additional leverage either financially or fixture-wise, I am also not likely to instantaneously renounce all ties with and/or enjoyment of the entire sport itself.

The main disappointment for me is the continuation of the “Champions Trophy” – surely the most pointless ODI tournament going round at present, given it contains just the (usual) top eight Test nations anyway. Particularly if the World Cup is (from 2019) allowed to be trimmed/cut to just 10 teams. Utterly daft, both decisions, then what’s the point of having eight of the same 10 teams playing every two years anyway?

The only other suggestion I would have instead would be to finally ramp up the T20 World Cup and make it 16 teams (at least, or why not 20?) and at least therefore give the Associate nations something (anything!!!) to do regularly. I’d retain a 14-team ODI World Cup, too.

For me, the World Test Championship need be nothing more than a three-match series, played over say three to four weeks, every four years after accumulation of points from minimal home-and-away meetings. The final should be at a neutral venue, which for the sake of history could be rotated – e.g. England hosts the first set at Lords/Oval/Trafford, then Australia at MCG/SCG/Adelaide, then South Africa at Jo’burg/Cape Town/Durban, then India, Pakistan, Windies, Sri Lanka and so on. Thus you could add Ireland as an 11th Test team. And if other nations prove themselves over a period of time in the Intercontinental four-day series (say win it three times in a row or something) then they can also have Test status, etc.

I just think the governing body of the sport needs overall to have a look at some different ways of making sure more nations are regularly involved, not wholesale changes to the games themselves or tokenistic every-four-year qualification-route drama otherwise it’s hardly much of a “world” sport, is it?… But that’s just my opinion.

Hi Brett – I think I have finally caught-into (rather than caught-onto) the new city-based Big Bash this summer after two seasons of deliberate boycotting. Free-to-air telly has helped – harder to follow a comp/team without seeing them at all. And I have picked Perth as my “team” (for want of a better word). A-la Miami Marlins, I am just trying to find an entry point. I am a former SA resident who remains a Redback man at Shield/Ryobi Cup level, but Perth, on a percentage basis, has the most blokes in the side that actually reside in or are from WA, hence they made the most state-related sense in this new un-state era for T20. Weird, eh? On this game, heck, what a choice, but two lesser teams can often make a great contest. For the Sydney side (and their no-doubt long-suffering supporters) let’s hope so! And your tip from about 18 months or so ago stuck in my head. Treat the T20 tournament as, at least, the chance to just watch some more cricket, more often, during summer-month evenings. Done!

Hi Steve – it’s a toughie. Am a cricket fanatic bred on World Series summers, who also gives huge respect to Test cricket as the ultimate form of the game. I really liked the state identity thing – Shield/Ryobi AND T20 when it was that way. The issue I have is not with the T20 format at all. It’s useful. It’s with the format of the competition designed by Cricket Australia. I am a former SA resident now residing in Victoria. I still follow the fortunes of the Redbacks. But the Strikers? In light blue? No idea. Instead, after two years of boycotting the new Big Bash in a fit of principled pique, I had to find some avenue into it. As I think Brett McKay (?) on the left-side of the Roar ledger has said, enjoy it as a chance to just plain watch some more cricket! And individual performances that may come along. So, I checked out the BB website and did some calculations. Turns out that, pre-season, of a squad of 18, that Perth’s team had the most guys in it who are actually in WA. Hence, the most representative of their home state. Sounded fair enough to me. A-la a second-hand telly interest in MLB team the Miami Marlins, I have done likewise with the T20s. I am now a second-hand Perth fan. Being half-Dutch and hence with a penchant for orange shirts probably helped. And above all, it’s brilliant transition cricket between the Tests and ODIs for summer evenings. Free-to-air telly and all really helps, too. But the pyro, videogame graphics, etc, etc, to me are completely pointless. If the standard of the games is no good, who cares? But, as Brett said, either way, it’s still yet another chance – and excuse? – to watch some more cricket on TV!

Hi Art – long time little input from me (a very busy year for me work-wise – now studying at uni again instead). Anyway, must say that, particularly after the “whizzo” factor (both nice and not-so-nice) of Adelaide Oval on telly in Test number two (though I think “Edwin Smith Stadium” or “Bradman Bowl” would suit the venue more so now), it’s been strangely nice to come back to a distinctly open-air cricket ground like the WACA (and of course Hobart, too). It’s almost like country-town size, which is, er, rather refreshing, really. The heat adds to the drama, too, no doubt. Plus where else can you see in Australia, third-session Test play, live on TV, into prime time viewing hours, but it still looks light-az over there compared to the eastern states. As if actually watching a game from overseas, not the other side of the same nation!

Hi Spiro – long time no post-y… As a general appreciator of union and someone who acknowledges the Wallabies as one of the probable “big three” national teams (Socceroos, Australian cricket team being the others), it was a surprisingly good tour. Certainly not what everyone would’ve expected. Nice to see the matches on TEN/ONE.HD ( caught the replays, not the live games early-am). And five games in as many weeks is tough. To beat the European continental champs, AWAY from home, at the end of the tour, was very well done indeed. And yeah, Quade Cooper has provided some genuine oomph and flow from the back half and through the midfield from what I saw. And Folau – great mark, eh? (wonder where he learned that from?). I think it was Johnny Warren who once was asked in his Sydney high school or uni days to play as a union fullback (they didn’t have a “soccer” team at the time). The advice to him from the coach? If the ball comes into your hands, kick the thing immediately, and as far and high as you can upfield, before you get smashed by the opposition defenders. Yeah, something like that.

Hi Chris – as someone who has been a casual telly-watcher during the tournament, I would say that it was, generally, a success in its own way. Much like the cricket World Cup, does it matter if the sport itself never breaks the ‘150+ countries play it’ barrier of rugby union and/or the world game? Nope. So long as there’s a decent tournament with enough teams involved and an acknowledgment that the “World Cup” name is only worth something when said tournament stretches beyond say 8-10 teams! I’m no rugby league fanatic but watching the USA, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa etc has been fun, and a bit of a broader intro to the sport for me beyond a few mates who go crazy every July at State Of Origin time, etc. Cue ICC-style questioning – should it be 12 teams (2×6 or 3×4?) instead of an oddly lopsided 14 ? Maybe. Or a straight 4×4 16-team comp (which I believe South Africa would like to host in 2017?). Maybe. Same as the cricket – fine, so long as everyone is prepared to accept that non top-tier nations may not necessarily play brilliantly every single week. And I suppose if you’re going to win a World Cup final, then at least the Aussies did it in emphatic, undeniable fashion.

Hi Spiro – caught the replay of this during the Saturday arvo and found it pretty entertaining stuff. Much better from Izzy and the lads, especially with his hat-trick heroics. And there definitely does seem to be something of the FIFA world’s importance now attached to the atmosphere equivalence for rugby union when it comes to Australia visiting Argentina. Were the Wallabies actually, er, “brilliant”, as you suggest though in the headline? Given they had two victories (both against the Argies) for the entire tournament and couldn’t get past either SAF or NZL once I’d doubt I’d use the same wording. Improved by the end of the series? Sure. Boding well/better at least for the upcoming Euro trip? Sure. Brilliant? Not yet. In my opinion. As a casual observer.

Hi Chris – at the risk of sounding like a total bozo, I must say I caught the last 60 minutes of the decider on telly – and, for someone not normally of the view that rugby league is the greatest televisual sporting spectacle, it was actually pretty entertaining stuff to watch. So, as a total neutral, here are a few thoughts.
(1) The supposed ‘head-butt’ was minor compared to what could have happened at other points in such games I’m sure.
(2) The try awarded to Manly after the last Roosters defender brought down the bloke without the ball was, to my mind, an understandable outcome, if weird to the naked eye only because there’s no presumed second-chance available in league. Had that been an A-League final, it would’ve been a penalty call from the ref, spot kick, probable goal. Thus, here, it would be dependent on the NRL ref to judge it as worth a yellow card (?) or not and an automatic penalty try. But, because the Manly player doesn’t get a “penalty kick” or similar free-run second-chance to go for the line it looks like he’s given a try for not getting the ball over. But, it must be in the ref’s opinion that he was unfairly impeded, and by the last defender at that, and if he wasn’t, then it was a certain scoring opportunity. Fair enough, although an apparently obscure process to the non-league-heads like meself.
(3) The flying try by the Roosters guy (Jennings?) was, let’s face it, incredible. Beats two defenders, who are both on the run, while in the air himself, to score. Top stuff.
(4) The Roosters seemed to improve in the second half, especially in defence, which seemed to turn the match their way.
There, viewpoint ended. I also rather enjoyed the Wallabies-Argies game the other day. Much better stuff from Izzy and the lads, especially with his hat-trick heroics.

Hi Kersi – seriously, deep down, I love 50 overs a side. But I am also perhaps of a certain age (mid-30s) to acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, it can drag a bit for some these days. Hence if it helps, I’d cut it to 40. I still love 50, but I’d be happy with 40 if it helped to maintain ODIs as a format well into the future.

I went to the IND-SAF game at Adelaide Oval in 1992 with my Dad and one cousin. Great time. Kapil Dev was still playing (incredibly). Loved Jonty Rhodes’ stump-breaking run-out in Brisbane (?) that same year against Pakistan (?). Remebering how daft the rain rules were at the time…Staying up to 3am for the 1999 final…Ireland’s wins so far in the tournament, Kenya’s general demise during the same period (sad), the chance to go for the Dutch given I have a parental link to that nation, etc… Watching NZ thrash Australia (if memory serves) on the totally illogically-designed and warped septagon that was Eden Park at the time in 1992 (I couldn’t follow the outlay of the venue on telly. Imagine Allan Border trying to do it as fielding skipper!)

Hi Kersi – it’s something I am definitely looking forward to. And I think, generally, the ICC has actually managed to make some sensible, reasonable decisions regarding this 2015 edition. Australia and New Zealand meet in Auckland in the first phase, a-la 1992. MCG final, SCG/Auck semis, etc. The only downside seems to be the lack of regional venues this time around. But I am one who loves the addition of Associate nations – otherwise what’s the point of calling it anything close to a “World” event? Equally though, yeah, I reckon more tinkering could be done for 2019 in England and 2023 in India. I am a fan of 15 teams (3×5) then a top six second round then semis and a final. No more complaints about diluted quality – either fans want to see a suitably “World” event or they don’t, and then cricket won’t be worth noting among sports like football, rugby union and basketball for example. I would, however, make one other change. Accept the statistical anomaly that would come into play and just make ODIs 40 overs a side instead of 50. I still think T20 is too short, but 50 can seem over-long for some. 40 would retain a decent day (or night)’s worth of cricket.

Hi Ben. Righto. Was it a clean catch? Yes. Is any decision to walk ultimately Broad’s alone to make – whether fans like it or not? – yes. Were the rules of the series adhered to by the officials? Yes. Should the ICC consider altering such rules for future series? Yes. Should Clarke just get on with the game now regardless? Yes. Enough said.

Hi Jamesb – as far as I am aware, going by major metro media reports as of June 1, Nine looks likely early next week to retain home international coverage of Test/ODI/T20 until at least Feb 2018. With the domestic Big Bash on Ten (hopefully on ONE.HD). As a cricket fanatic it has long bemused me why Nine can’t be bothered to show Australia playing overseas…
I think we got (the surprise) a year or so ago of the ENG-AUS stand-alone ODI series live on Nine (I was stoked). And yeah, playing from New Zealand/India/South Africa in particular is reasonable for time-slots locally. But with extra digital arm channels it simply shouldn’t be an issue. It’s the national team as others have said. I wouldn’t even be fussed if it is not full, live coverage. The first session then highlights? A one-hour condensed package of a session? A one-hour condensed package of away T20 games? etc, etc.
And please Nine, if you do secure the rights, get the 2015 ICC World Cup right this time! That means broadcasting more than just half-a-dozen Australia group-stage games, plus one semi and the final. Given it’s probably the last Cup to feature any meaning whatsoever beyond the 10-nation Test old boys’ club, there are actually TV viewers who would love to see Holland v Kenya, Ireland v Zimbabwe, etc. PLUS games live from across the ditch in New Zealand as co-hosts. I recall the 1992 World Cup coverage being terrific. We even got the opener from Auckland live. Either it is a WORLD Cup or it isn’t, you know…!

I was a big fan of the 12-team tournament, and reckon it probably should’ve stayed that way for an extra cycle before being lifted to 14. Sixteen teams? Too many. How about 15 (3×5), then a top six second phase, then semis, finals, etc? But if we can’t have 14, then even 12 would be better than 10. At least it gives the non-Test nations something to aim for. Ditto for the T20 edition – it shouldn’t be larger than the ODI version, and just run the thing every four years on the off-year (2015, 2019, 2023 ODI, 2017, 2021, 2025 T20) and be done with it. I don’t have an issue as such with the fact that domestic T20 exists. Its the way the competitions have been designed and presented to the public/cricket fans that continues to frustrate me. I just think that T20 as a form of cricket is fine – but the way it is placed around the annual match calendar could be improved.

Hi Kersi – perhaps a better question would be…is a 10-team ODI World Cup of any value to anyone outside the blindingly obvious (Test nations) from 2019 onward, particularly given the demise of the “Champions Trophy”? As of 2019, the World Cup will be worthless. Nothing but a glorified Champions Trophy. And the ICC seem to consider cricket to be a world-wide sport of significance? (and yes, I am a cricket fan saying this)…

Just checked out a bit of online history – turns out as far as I am aware it was indeed a memory trick (!!). Seven only broadcast domestic games. Apologies.

Hi Fuss – as one marches on time-wise in life memories can get hazy, but if memory serves the Uruguay-Australia game from Montivideo (??) in the 2001 campaign was on Seven, early-morning?

Hi all – as one who recalls the in-game ads on Seven during Socceroos World Cup qualifiers, yes, I am a tad surprised and initially suspicious of how it will play out telecast-wise. But it’s better than zilch I suppose. It must be added though that football fans nation-wide will be absolutely microscope-inclined when it comes to scrutiny of how it all goes – the pre-game chat, the in-game commentary, the (hopefully) lack of ads, etc, etc. If it works, brilliant. Seven will have proven itself as redeemed (somewhat). If not, thanks once again to SBS for the Friday night telecasts next A-League season!

Hi Aaron – as one who recalls the in-game ads on Seven during Socceroos World Cup qualifiers, yes, I am a tad surprised and initially suspicious of how it will play out telecast-wise. But it’s better than zilch I suppose. It must be added though that football fans nation-wide will be absolutely microscope-inclined when it comes to scrutiny of how it all goes – the pre-game chat, the in-game commentary, the (hopefully) lack of ads, etc, etc. If it works, brilliant. Seven will have proven itself as redeemed (somewhat). If not, thanks once again to SBS for the Friday night telecasts next A-League season!

Just wanted to express my disappointment with the 2013-14 Ashes summer schedule released today by Cricket Australia. Five capital city Tests (no Hobart), five ODIs (no Hobart), three T20s (including Hobart). And Canberra is reduced once again to a tour match status. And a new red and blue beer logo in the middle of a still predominantly-green Aussie ODI shirt. Argh! At least there’s a tad more yellow up the sides and under the sleeves now.

Hi Mike – sure, it can always be argued that such stuff as the FA Cup Final is “not what it once was” (etc). Heck, is anything that involves major sport or entertainment as good as it used to be (whatever that means)? Mostly, unfortunately, no. I gave up trying to stay up for the game – the shift in kick-off is too much for me these days with work and family commitments. But I had hoped for – and predicted – a Wigan win and was delighted to hear they had knocked off Man City. It’s still the underdog-win story, and that’s why people (either die-hard football fanatics or casual main-event sports fans) still enjoy it. And there’s all the history behind it, too. So, is it what it used to be? Nah. Is it still worth celebrating, in this modern, hyper-fast era, as something that’s stood the test of time, perhaps mainly due to its overall simplicity (straight knock-out, everyone can enter)? Yes indeedy.

Hi Justin – agree with a few others. Probably Canberra next, then I’d certainly have a second NZ team, probably South Island, probably Christchurch. As Sheek put it earlier, leave Melb and Syd as two-team cities. Another regional-based side in Victoria would be next after the Canberra, South Island NZ side… Probably Ballarat (?) – it’s kinda between Bendigo and Geelong and a distance enough from central Melbourne to have its own identity.

Hi Joe – the FFA Cup is the starting point for me as far as a new way of embracing the NSL past. Then a second-tier which will hopefully encourage former NSL clubs to work their way back into the A-League.

Hi Alec – as a cricket nut, I used to love the Champs Trophy, when it was an Associate-hosted ICC fundraising knockout tournament. It then somehow morphed into a half-World Cup, and I’d prefer it to even be the best five (?) nations (a-la the hockey version) and leave it at that.
Anyway, aside from that, I often wondered whether it wouldn’t have been a good idea for the ICC to stick with 12 teams a little longer, to build up a couple of stronger Associate performers instead of leaping from 12 to 14 to 16… Ideally, the World Cup should remain a chance for the second-tier nations to be present. I like 14 teams, but two groups of 7 seems to take forever. 16 teams in 4×4 a-la football, plus quarters, semis, final, seems obvious, but perhaps a tad short? I’d like to see 15 teams – 3×5 – 30 first-round games then a top six then semis and a final. So long as there is a minimum of three Associate entries at this point, I’d be happy.

Hi MM – It’s been a while since I have commented on The Roar, but a well-thought-through, insightful piece. Personally? Loved the Kiwi idea. Heard the pre-game commemorations in Wellington too live on the radio ahead of the game. Stirring stuff. Hope an ANZAC Day game in NZ happens every year now. And yes, SYDN-STKL every time for me, too.