Are cricketers getting soft?

[GVGjr]

First off I find out that 25yo Tait says that he probably should focus on the short versions of the game and that he might eventually want to try for test cricket again but at the moment it's a bit beyond him and now Watson is basically saying he won't be put out if he losses his spot to Symonds.

Things must be pretty good in life for a 25yo quick to not to necessarily be aiming for a test spot and a often injured 27yo who eventually get his act together both physically and form wise is comfortable in vacating his spot for someone who isn't really in form.

Am I being too harsh on these guys?

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

I think the unfortunate reality is that test cricket is no longer the be all and end all.

[mighty_west]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

I think the unfortunate reality is that test cricket is no longer the be all and end all.

Unfortunatly its becoming the case, especially when you look at our recent tour of India, where's the home side had our measure, yet the stands were always very empty, considering the passion Indian supporters have for their team & cricket in general, plus given they were taking on the might of Australia who have been the yard stick for over a decade, was quite disturbing [for a criket purist].

They currently host England in some one dayers, and the crowds are back!

The twenty/20 format has really changed cricket, the more successful that will become in the future, the more old school type purists will die off, and eventually test cricket could be in real danger.

I love my cricket as much as the next bloke, especially test cricket, and i was glued to the tv watching the Indian Premier League 20/20 series earlier in the year, and the amounts of money been thrown around at players, who can blame these guys for opting for the shorter version of the game.

So i don't think these players are generally soft, just smart, especially players like Tait & Watson who have had their share of injuries, i know what its like for a fast bowler, and trying to stay fit.

[ledge]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

I listened to SEN yesterday and they said the reason there was no crowd was because they were selling tickets in series type not one per day, they also were not even broadcasting the tests on the radio, thus not even promoting the tests.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

So i don't think these players are generally soft, just smart, especially players like Tait & Watson who have had their share of injuries, i know what its like for a fast bowler, and trying to stay fit.

Exactly. Taking care of their financial future comes first, and the big pay packets are in the shorter form of the game, as well as there being less chance for injury.

[GVGjr]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

Exactly. Taking care of their financial future comes first, and the big pay packets are in the shorter form of the game, as well as there being less chance for injury.

If I was a selector and thought that these guys were being selective to extend their pay days I simply wouldn't select them.

[Mantis]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

If I was a selector and thought that these guys were being selective to extend their pay days I simply wouldn't select them.

Do you think that they would care?

Shane Bond is earning more in 2 months of 20/20 cricket in India at present than he does in 2 or 3 years playing international cricket with NZ.

[Bornadog]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

First off I find out that 25yo Tait says that he probably should focus on the short versions of the game and that he might eventually want to try for test cricket again but at the moment it's a bit beyond him and now Watson is basically saying he won't be put out if he losses his spot to Symonds.

Things must be pretty good in life for a 25yo quick to not to necessarily be aiming for a test spot and a often injured 27yo who eventually get his act together both physically and form wise is comfortable in vacating his spot for someone who isn't really in form.

Am I being too harsh on these guys?

I agree, they are soft as butter. Watson is a disgrace for saying what he said, and he should be fighting tooth and nail to keep his spot as he had a not bad series in India, comared to some of the others.

[GVGjr]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

Do you think that they would care?

Shane Bond is earning more in 2 months of 20/20 cricket in India at present than he does in 2 or 3 years playing international cricket with NZ.

They would if they weren't selected in any form of the game

Bond is upset that he isn't playing Test cricket but the NZ selectors have stuck with the initial decision.

[Mantis]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

They would if they weren't selected in any form of the game

Bond is upset that he isn't playing Test cricket but the NZ selectors have stuck with the initial decision.

If he wanted to play Test Cricket he would quit playing 20/20 and be up in Brisbane preparing for the 1st Test.

But he knows his body might cave in tomorrow so he is trying to cash in while he can. Many more will be doing the same shortly too.

[mighty_west]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

I agree, they are soft as butter. Watson is a disgrace for saying what he said, and he should be fighting tooth and nail to keep his spot as he had a not bad series in India, comared to some of the others.

Labelling fast bowlers as soft is nothing short of disgraceful, what they put their bodies through day & day, every training session, having to bowl long spells on hot days etc etc, pushing through the pain barrior, most fast bowlers go through all sorts of injuries.

Go see them in the physio's room early on a saturday morning getting the back cracked into place, perparing for the game on the same day, or lying down with ice packs on the shoulder or back hours after a days play and label them soft!

[hujsh]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

Watson has said his role with the ball is to be economical. With his batting peformance a bit below par he may just feel that Symonds is the best player for the team.

[GVGjr]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

Watson has said his role with the ball is to be economical. With his batting peformance a bit below par he may just feel that Symonds is the best player for the team.

He was economical with the ball and got a few more wickets than expected as well as bowling more overs than he should have.
His batting was sound but probably missed on one more decent score.

Based on Symonds known form, Watson probably should be putting his hand up instead of allowing Symonds and easy ride back into the side.

[hujsh]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

He was economical with the ball and got a few more wickets than expected as well as bowling more overs than he should have.
His batting was sound but probably missed on one more decent score.

Yeah but his mindset is not that he is a strike bowler. Just as a backup. So if his batting isn't great he probably feels someone who has proven himself in test matches deserves his spot.

[Twodogs]

Re: Are cricketers getting soft?

Labelling fast bowlers as soft is nothing short of disgraceful, what they put their bodies through day & day, every training session, having to bowl long spells on hot days etc etc, pushing through the pain barrior, most fast bowlers go through all sorts of injuries.

Go see them in the physio's room early on a saturday morning getting the back cracked into place, perparing for the game on the same day, or lying down with ice packs on the shoulder or back hours after a days play and label them soft!

But it's all relative isnt it?


All fast bowlers have injury concerns but that shouldnt mean that you just let someone else take your spot in the side. You earn that Baggy Green with lots of hard work, talent and balls of steel. Watson never seemed to do much to earn his-he just seemed to get picked on potential and I dont think he has much idea of the honour and, more importantly, the responsinilty that comes with being a member of the Australian test team.