It was hardly surprising when the black caps were eliminated in the semi-finals of the cricket world cup by Sri Lanka, they reach the semi finals frequently, but are yet to advance into a final.
Less predictable though, was today's feeling of relief that they were eliminated before the final! At least that way, they did not have to be involved in today's farcical final. The match was stopped for bad light three overs before the end, and the scoreboard declared Australia the winners. Ground staff even started erecting the podium for the presentations. The umpires then decided the match was not over, and either play would have to resume, or the game would have to be completed tomorrow, despite the fact that an Australian victory was a foregone conclusion. Eventually the Sri Lankan players returned and play was resumed, in near darkness.
Technically, the umpires were correct, but the whole thing was just so disorganised, as if their was no co-ordination, or any plans as to what to do if the light deteriorated. surely twilight is foreseeable? How can the ICC hope to have the confidence of the cricketing world, or hope to expand cricket into new territories if it cannot co-ordinate the showpiece of its own major tournament? The other question is, why was the game scheduled for a venue without lights?
1 comment:
I someone how ended up in the middle of an argument on Friday about whether or not "we" (by which I don't mean me) had done well in the World Cup. I actually think the Black Caps did bloody well - did we ever seriously think they were going to win? They beat everybody except the teams that came first and second. I think that's pretty impressive really. Sure, it's not worth a ticker tape parade, but the team deserve better, imho, than the sledging they are getting from some.
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