Wickman has been busy but not too busy to keep an eye on the inane ramblings from cricket press conferences and interviews in the build up to the World Cup. Wickman doesn't know whether it is harrassed journalists struggling to do their quotas or fading stars desperately trying to keep their names visible in the hope someone renews their recording contract... btw how does Bob Willis keep on getting a contract with Sky? Look the guy was a great cricketer and Wickman will always have a manly place in his heart for that performance at Headingly, but listening to Bob commentate feels like someone is dragging a thousand fingernails 
across a thousand blackboards (see pics of blackboard + quite hideous nails). Or a loved one complaining about one's quite reasonable drinking. Life's too short. And whatever it is that makes you shiver when the blackboard thing happens is going to break if it happens much more and then Wickman's going to launch a lawsuit against someone, anyone and and and... *takes deep breaths*
Anyway Wickman's eye was drawn to a sensational headline on bbc.co.uk quoting Terry Alderman. Now apart from the fact that old Tezza is an Aussie (see previous posts) he did seem to be an all round hero when Wickman was still too small to use a grown up bat. (Captain 00 in case you were wondering). What that man could do with a cricket ball in English conditions and to G Gooch in particular, was mesmerising. Even sickening. It made you feel good, but terribly bad all at the same time. But now, in a desperate attempt to be talked about, he's become a doctor. And that's surprising. Because his wiki entry says he does a bit of radio commentary and hasn't studied medicine. But here he is worrying about the Brummie Turncoat and whether he'll ever be as good again based on what happened to someone else who played cricket for Australia when Wickman didn't even know what cricket was. Dr Alderman is worried. *Wickman drops into coma and hopes its not Dr Alderman attending as he hasn't a hope in Hades of coming out of it - hang on maybe playing Willis on loop will bring him out*
If that wasn't enough (thanks Tezza by the way - I'll wait for the team doctor's view on it if you don't mind) he's here telling us that NOT eight, but SEVEN teams can win the world cup this year! Crikey that's narrowed it down. Wickman's sitting up! Alderman said it was too early to write off Australia's [that's one] World Cup defence, but noted there were a number of other nations to fear. He said: "I'd be watching out for Sri Lanka [two], while Pakistan [three] on their day can beat anyone.
"New Zealand [four] have shown what they can do... West Indies [five] are on their home turf [the old home turf can't discount 'em argument - top punditry], England [six - shaaaaat sir] have just beaten Australia and South Africa [seven] are number one in the world rankings."
Now that's some top quality opinion making there. Let's face it you aren't going to get a Crimbo card from your old pal Greg Chappell for that and the next time you bump into Rahul, Sachin, Sourav and the lads, don't be surprised if they don't ask you to supper. But at least you've cut it down by that one top team for us. Wickman's earlier post on the World Cup fancying India was obviously just plain wrong. Wickman looks forward to welcoming you to Hampton Wick to discuss in great detail, with Bob W, scintillating topics such as these.
And just for good meaure, Brian Charles Lara has added some balance to the debate by telling us "Each major team has the game to do it - it is down to consistency and controlling your nerves". Hang on - what's his definition of major? Perhaps he's snubbing someone... does he think one of the big eight isn't that big? Doubt it... Wowsers... That Sir, is genius. Next you'll be telling us that on the day one big performance from someone that stands up to be counted could swing a semi-final. Wickman waits, his breath bated...
No comments:
Post a Comment