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  • I think those speed guns are a load of crap. Somehow the white ball goes faster - I bowled 83-84mph in the Test match, and 93mph in the one-dayers. It's crazy. I hadn't bowled a ball for ten days.
    Steve Harmison has his doubts about the pace at which he's been bowling

    Aug 28, 2008

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    Articles tagged as: backyard-cricket

    Bill Lawry: it’s backyard cricket war

    By Will last year, at the end of October, 4 Comments »

    Any excuse to put up a video involving Bill Lawry, the most impersonated man at Cricinfo Towers. Ford, who sponsor all Cricket Australia vehicular needs, are declaring “Backyard Cricket War” on the country. I’m not quite sure what that means, but there are two videos to show featuring Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Mike Hussey…and Matthew Hayden in an apron.

    Look out for Bill’s cameo at the end of the second.

    One-zip

    As ever, visit the site if you can’t see the videos above.[via]

    4 Comments »

    ICC release code of conduct for backyard cricket

    By Will 2 years ago, at the start of November, 11 Comments »

    The ICC have today released a code of conduct for backyard cricket…

    1. GENERAL RULES

    1a. Can’t Get Out First Ball: Curious rule introduced to give the token unco
    dickhead a reprieve. Smart-ar*e batsmen use it to hone their reverse sweep;
    which becomes interesting when smart-ar*e bowlers use it to hone their beamer.

    1b. Caught Behind (auto wikky): Since no one has the desire or the reflexes to
    stand in the slips cordon, an edge onto the back fence constitutes instant
    dismissal. Has signalled the death of the late cut.

    1c. One Hand, One Bounce: This popular innovation (When a fielder can dismiss a
    batsman by catching the ball in one hand on the first bounce) is essential to
    the very fabric of the sport. Importantly, it means a game can be organised
    with a minimum of players. Note that this rule only applies when the fielder is
    holding a beer in their other hand.

    1d. No LBW: When no umpires are available (or trustworthy), the only option is
    to can the LBW rule altogether, ensuring cagey batsmen shuffle across the
    crease as is test driving a Zimmer frame.

    1e. Six And Out (Then Fetch It): Introduced to combat space and energy
    restrictions. It’s rumoured to have been initiated by a hapless bowler living
    alongside a pack of Rottweilers.

    1f. Standard Over: All veteran backyard bowlers know that the standard length
    of an over in backyard cricket ranges from anything between 10-12 balls. You
    only relinquish the bowling duties when questioned by any fielders or opposing
    team members. But only after the standard response of “Two to go” or “Get
    F*cked”.

    2. ESSENTIAL ITEMS

    2a. Esky: Strategically placed at the bowler’s end, the esky is the shrine, the
    fuel, the Richie Benaud of backyard cricket - because it holds the beer.

    2b. Balls: A minimum of 3 tennis balls is advised, as there’s always some
    smart-ar*e who delights in tonking them over the fence (see rule 1e).

    Advanced exponents use electrical tape around half the ball to give it more
    swing than Austin Powers.

    2c. Dog: Preferable of Kelpie or Heeler extraction, so it can field every ball,
    including those that disappear under the house or thorny bushes. The downside is
    that they produce more slobber than a 14 year old male Penthouse reader. The
    upside is the dog will sleep for 3 days straight afterwards.

    2d. Rubbish Bin: It would be nice to think you can clean up your own mess, but
    in reality the bin makes a perfect set of stumps.

    2e. Bat: Boasting multiple scratches and dents, and no grip left on the handle,
    it’s usually of 1980’s vintage with a single scoop, with a fake signature of
    Allan Border or Merv Hughes providing added backyard cult status.

    3. CODE OF ETHICS

    3a. Stumps: The game draws to a close when,

    i) Your host finally cooks the snags after the barbie has run out of gas,

    ii) Macca hits the last ball onto the road and it disappears down the drain
    (not withstanding rules 1e and 2c),

    iii) You can’t get that batsman out with any type of bowling pace or spin, or

    iv) Your girlfriend cracks the sh*ts and wants to go home because you “become a
    f*cking idiot” when you hang around with your mates.

    3b. Flower Damage: Any respectful male will cringe and help hide the fact that
    you have just topped your girlfriend’s petunias. Somehow, the universal threat
    of a week-long drought bonds the male species.

    3c. Spilt Beer: Ideally, the offending batsman should apologise profusely and
    offer to replace the vanquished stubbie. Fat Chance. The feat prompts sh*tloads
    of laughter, and the usually triumphant “Get me one while you’re at it you
    f*cking retard!”

    3d. No Running Between Wickets: Every backyard cricket specialist should know
    this phrase, “The words fun and run don’t go together.” Just ask Arjuna
    Ranatunga. Besides, how the hell are you supposed to run in thongs?

    3e. Courtesy Call: Always invite the chicks to have a bat. They usually say no,
    but on the odd occasion, they do take a grip of the willow. You can bowl a
    couple of dollies to her so she can hit before ending this freakish sideshow
    with a yorker. Most chicks hold a bat as if they’re chopping wood, and they
    bowl as if throwing left-handed. And they can’t handle yorkers.

    Still, someone has to make the salad.

    Thanks to Tim for the email

    11 Comments »