Big Bash League 2015

[LostDoggy]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

This year has been particularly strong, but the BBL has exceeded expectations every year and grown every year. All the above factors are valid, I also think Ch10 broadcast the product in a refreshing manner, with Freddy Flintoff a particular winner for them this year.

With Gayle, Bravo, Russell etc playing BBL instead of Test, this also adds to the formats credibility as an elite form of the game. The average punter is getting these guys as well as Pieterson, Sangakarra, Kallis etc, whilst the international formats are offering relatively lower profile international stars.

What if somebody gets a Test call up but elects to remain in the BBL instead? On current trends, it's only a matter of time. The ramifications will be interesting.

[GVGjr]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

This year has been particularly strong, but the BBL has exceeded expectations every year and grown every year. All the above factors are valid, I also think Ch10 broadcast the product in a refreshing manner, with Freddy Flintoff a particular winner for them this year.

I find Freddie annoying as he tries to dominate the game with his over the top commentary. T20 is an interesting game to me not one I really enjoy but I guess his commentary style isn't necessarily supposed to appeal to me.

To me 81,000 attending last night is just a compelling message that test cricket needs to find another way to appeal to fans.

[Twodogs]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

I find Freddie annoying as he tries to dominate the game with his over the top commentary. T20 is an interesting game to me not one I really enjoy but I guess his commentary style isn't necessarily supposed to appeal to me.

To me 81,000 attending last night is just a compelling message that test cricket needs to find another way to appeal to fans.

It's the elephant in the room isn't it? That 81, 000 people want to watch cricket but it's not test cricket. But I personally think the 50 over format has more to fear from T-20.

Test cricket needs some changes but I don't think changing it as a result of what happens in T-20 cricket would be the best thing.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

I'm with TD that T20s popularity threatens the 50 over format much more than Tests. It will be interesting to see if the 50 over format can adapt as a result of T20s dominance.

10 years ago, the popularity of 50 overs started to wane as the predictability of 30 overs of single balls in the middle of innings made too much of the game dull and practically irrelevant. Through T20 batting innovations, there is no such thing as a single ball anymore and bowlers have to try to actually beat the bat rather than just bowl to safe zones (including the especially distasteful safe knee high full toss). Potentially, this evolution of play could totally enervate the 50 over format, but time will tell.

[Twodogs]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

I'm with TD that T20s popularity threatens the 50 over format much more than Tests. It will be interesting to see if the 50 over format can adapt as a result of T20s dominance.

10 years ago, the popularity of 50 overs started to wane as the predictability of 30 overs of single balls in the middle of innings made too much of the game dull and practically irrelevant. Through T20 batting innovations, there is no such thing as a single ball anymore and bowlers have to try to actually beat the bat rather than just bowl to safe zones (including the especially distasteful safe knee high full toss). Potentially, this evolution of play could totally enervate the 50 over format, but time will tell.

And the detail in a game of cricket can be broken right down to dot balls.

There was an inevitability that Head would easily get those 12 runs to win the other night. Abbott looked beaten even before he bowled a ball, but it was 12 runs. That's a few runs to win. It's a run rate of 200. But the bowlers running in knowing the game was over and the captains got his hands on his hips.

If you said to me that we needed 12 to win of the last over of a test match I'd say we were 50/50 at best. Maybe that's the point?

When I was a kid I can remember Alan Lamb taking 23 of the last over from Bruce Reid to win an ODI. That was pretty brutal and thrilling. B

[LostDoggy]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

wow. chris lynn. wow.

[lemmon]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

wow. chris lynn. wow.

One of the upsides of the exposure is that the general public gets exposed to the likes of Lynn. He does similar things in the four day game (when not injured).

[westdog54]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

wow. chris lynn. wow.

That was an insane knock.

As much as the big names are fantastic to have, its brilliant that guys like Travis Head and Chris Lynn get public exposure at national level through BBL when they'd be virtually anonymous otherwise.

[Greystache]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

Really surprised Lynn didn't get a look in for the ODI squad. Granted there's only so many places for players who aren't Geoff Marsh's sons, but I thought he might get a run when his form is this hot.

[Twodogs]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

Really surprised Lynn didn't get a look in for the ODI squad. Granted there's only so many places for players who aren't Geoff Marsh's sons, but I thought he might get a run when his form is this hot.

Would he just have to change his surname to Marsh or go through the full adoption ceremony do you think?

[Sedat]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

With Gayle, Bravo, Russell etc playing BBL instead of Test, this also adds to the formats credibility as an elite form of the game.

I actually think the opposite. Gayle's presence here instead of for the Windies shows his lack of regard for the game, something his post-match interview last night only reinforced. He is most likely keeping score of his 'runs' off the field instead of on it. And why does he wear '333' on his back for T20 matches when it is a stat from his test career, of which he obviously doesn't give a shit about.

I am distinctly in the minority (judging by crowds and ratings) but to me the BBL is fast food garbage for people who don't really like cricket. There is zero subtlety in the game. There is no value on wickets, runs or catches. It is merely a carnival that moves from place to place after finishing its 6 week run - it is more circus than sport.

[jeemak]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

20-20 is great watching when a good death/short form bowler is going up against a good short form bat. That's when the inventiveness meets discipline, but unfortunately competitions like the TBB show case a fair portion of bowling that's pretty ordinary and makes some average bats look like superstars.

As for Chris Gayle, what a slime ball. Mel McGlaghlin handled herself as I would expect a true professional to with her dismissive response and bemused expression, and Gayle was made to look nothing short of a simpleton and a dickhead (his brief appearance to the media this morning has only reinforced that).

[Remi Moses]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

Gayle just reinforced what a complete creep he is.Mel's a very competent sports journo , and that was just cringey.
What's sadder is the Neanderthals supporting that overrated flog on social media .
Agree with Sedat, it's junk food sport . It's entertainment first , and the cricket second.

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

I actually think the opposite. Gayle's presence here instead of for the Windies shows his lack of regard for the game, something his post-match interview last night only reinforced. He is most likely keeping score of his 'runs' off the field instead of on it. And why does he wear '333' on his back for T20 matches when it is a stat from his test career, of which he obviously doesn't give a shit about.

I am distinctly in the minority (judging by crowds and ratings) but to me the BBL is fast food garbage for people who don't really like cricket. There is zero subtlety in the game. There is no value on wickets, runs or catches. It is merely a carnival that moves from place to place after finishing its 6 week run - it is more circus than sport.

I am with you Sedat. Haven't watched any of it yet.

[G-Mo77]

Re: Big Bash League 2015

Gayle just reinforced what a complete creep he is.Mel's a very competent sports journo , and that was just cringey.
What's sadder is the Neanderthals supporting that overrated flog on social media .
Agree with Sedat, it's junk food sport . It's entertainment first , and the cricket second.

That's why I see nothing in it. I'm almost sure he's asked or pointed in the direction of playing a role on camera. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mel come out next game and hit him with a foreign object while he and the ref are not looking.