The Art of Spin

There is always fashions and trends in sport, and cricket is no different. Be it a bowling action as alluded to by Wickman in his Crazy Actions article, or the England teams favourite way of getting out, the reverse sweep.

There is a new technique sweeping through the world of spin bowling though, which is causing mystery and myrth in equal abundance, and appears to be central to a spinners armoury now: The obtrusive tongue.

Both Brad Hogg and Monty Panesar use their tongues ritually before delivering. Whilst Hogg chews, Monty licks. It is still not clear what advantage is gained from the ostentacious display of the mastication organ but it is definately contagious. The spin bowlers union seem to have had their annual meeting and decided that this a fine contribution to their art. Whether it for discreet application of saliva to the ball, or to distract the batsman into thinking they have a date for the post game dinner is difficult to say.

What we can reveal for certain however is the source of this dark art. It is of course the Wick's very own Chairman Keith 'Mao' Nicholls. We asked Keith to comment but he declined. This is obviously a darker art than first feared and as closely guarded as the magic circle.

So if you see Nicholls chew his tongou as he trots into bowl to you this year, be afraid. Be very afraid!