Cricket...but not as we know it

I must say I'm not to sure how best to write this. Waking to a news bulletin on Tuesday morning with Dominic Cork providing a chilling eye witness account of the Sri Lanka cricket terror attacks begs the question; "What next?" In amongst the grave statistics of wounded and dead, is a huge wave of uncertainty. Western culture in these very ‘un-westernernised’ countries often provides a degree of complacency over the occurring situations. For example, we generally will not spare a thought for player safety in India over the UK as professional sport is ‘safe’ – isn’t it?

Sports stars in this country are often seen gallivanting in the media here but, if anything, the ruthless attacks on Tuesday should remind us that the lifestyle of these 'stars' isn't replicated wherever they go.

If Sri Lanka is one example, an equally dangerous territory was Zimbabwe where the entire England cricket team pulled out from the tour.

So what implications does this have for the IPL? Grave implications I feel. The IPL is built by creating a culture of superstardom and luxury in India. Notoriously a haven for the rich; the IPL is creating instant millionaires through the aforementioned 'western influence.' But rather like a business that expands rapidly, unforeseen circumstances can alter and change the planned progression. Sometimes even bringing it too its knees.

I hope this doesn't happen, I really do. But the efficacy of these massive initiatives in largely unknown and high profile countries makes subsequent safety an unknown entity.

Martin's wrath

It takes a bold manager to publicly criticise his team. Or is it a man feeling the pressure? England are on a dangerous precipice, and Martin Johnson will not want to arrive at the edge anytime soon. His emotions particualy apparent at the binning of Danny Care in yesterdays Irish challenge.

And the statistics speak for themselves. 2 men in the sin bin yesterday, 8 points conceded. Delon Armitage's dogged effort to get himself over the line did mask yet another day of indiscipline for England. Although special mention must go to the Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll. He shows just what England are missing. A heart beat. ‘BOD’ dropped a goal, scored a try and put his body well and truly on the line. Speculation prior to the 6 nations as to whether he would be selected, have been well and truly rebuffed.

Where next? Well Wales and Ireland in their own backyards was always a challenging environment, and at least the white rose has had some passion behind it in these encounters. But in order for Johnno, and the rugby watching public, to be relatively pleased with this spring campaign, England must take hold over the French and Scottish at fortress HQ. There is a 2 week break now between the French test, and I predict changes. Martin does not suffer fools, and as such will be making his point clearly to the players. Maybe in the shape of a change of personnel?

On the plus side, Wales won't be repeating their Grand Slam!

The end of Saracens rugby as we know it?

My post today was going to focus on the England selection for Saturday's game against Ireland. It was going to focus upon the negative step to include Goode on the bench, or the demonstration this shows that the management team have no confidence in Toby Flood kicking his goals. Bench players (Care, Croft, Hartley, Tait) are impact players. So put Danny Cipriani in there? I feel that Johnno is breaking down young Dan and will rebuild him in the ‘Johnno mould’. Exactly what he needs I thinks.

No, I am more concerned about the plight of English rugby with the latest news that Saracens are haemorrhaging their squad (15 are going out of 38) to turn the club into a South African breeding ground. Brendan Venter is replacing Eddie Jones and is making wholesale changes. Big names such as Chris Jack & Michael Owen are out, as is club stalwart Kevin Sorrell. In will be, reputedly, Victor Matfield and Schalk Burger - along with a host of others.

Surely the RFU can't let this happen to the English game.

What a few weeks it’s been. Firstly Matthew Stevens sniffing dust followed by wasps big 3 chasing the cash and now this; Cape Town in Watford.

The tour de lance

I'm not convinced I'm a huge fan of twitter. It's basically yet another form of electronic stalking, but is entirely dependent on the interest you have in the person you are 'following' and indeed the content that these people are creating. For example, Jonathan Ross divulging what time he actually gets out of bed (sickeningly late when you realise how much he gets paid) or Stephen Fry wittering down the electronic airwaves about nothing. Or even the government showing they are still 'cool' even, even without big Tony, fails to really grab me. But perhaps it’s me that is the problem?

But, in the quest for insightful sports information, I've discovered an excellent use for Twitter. Lance 'I'm clean' Armstrong is on twitter. In fact, he is on it so much I'm surprised that he has time for anything else.

Lance is constantly updating with (I find) fascinating anecdotes about his life & the races he is involved with. This is exactly the kind of reading I'm after. Insightful and interesting; you get something that you can't get anywhere else. Maybe it’s nerdy? I don't know. But the constant updates that Lance provides offer a much more compelling viewpoint than Wossy's broken computer or the government’s new recession busting website.

Not only that, but big Lance (did I mention he is clean?) also posts pictures. Pictures that you wouldn't get any where else. Here are a few.

Twitter = excellent (as long as you find the right subject)

David's big oversight

Mr Beckham looks like he is staying in the land of fashion, pizza and pasta. Milan vice president, Adriano Galliani, has once again reiterated his ambition to sign the worlds most famous star to his beloved club. I do fear a back lash against DB in the US of A however. Whereas I totally understand, and agree, with his wish to play at the highest level once again, the knock on impact in the states is yet to be confirmed. Yes, the decision was made when the man who promotes umbrellas told him he had no future in the international arena - so why wouldn't he go and earn £500k a week??

But golden balls has been welcomed into the fold of the states making huge promises about raising the long term profile of soccer in the states. I am predicting that when he leaves, a huge hole will be created and this hole could well be filled with anger against unfulfilled pledges. I also predict a not dissimilar situation will occur at Stamford Bridge when Roman gets bored and leaves the club crippled amongst an Everest of wage bills.

Some might say that the ECB and cricket in general are facing this disaster now that the very odd Allen Stanford has finally been revealed as a rather unscrupulous character too. Apparently he has been 'followed' by the US government for the past 15 years - amazing how long paper work takes, and its impeccable timing.

Further news has been ousted today with James Haskell posting on his rather indulgent blog via his website, vigorously defending his position against 'going for the money' We would all respect these stars that bit more if they stopped dumbing down an understandable decision. We've had this before with Lewis Hamilton if you remember, completely disregarding the huge tax benefits when moving to Switzerland. I ask you, are we as stupid as the PR companies think?!

Visionary predictions

A slightly sore head and a fuzzy mind doesn't lead to insightful journalism. Unfortunately I have both of these today and as such, will not be continuing my rant into the French exile of some of the nations top talent.

I did however watch an interesting rant on youtube of Lance Armstrong in reaction to a rather leftfield question from Paul Kimmage; a well publicised anti doping journalist. Well worth 3 minutes of your time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUAO7xmNKeA&feature=related

To finish today, I've been thinking about my lions team for the summer. Based on current form, I'm going with the following (controversial call at 10?):

1. Euan Murray

2. Matthew Rees

3. John Hayes

4. Paul O Connell (c)

5. Alan Wyn Jones

6. David Wallace

7. Martyn Williams

8. Jamie Heaslip

9. Mike Blair

10. Danny Cipriani

11. Shane Williams

12. Jamie Roberts

13. Brian O'Driscoll

14. Rob Kearney

15. Delon Armitage

The exodus continues

Ricky Flutey has last night confirmed his move over to Brive. Joining Steve Thompson, Ben Cohen and recent England recall Andy Goode. The age old foreign policy suggested that leaving the UK would have a detrimental impact on ones' international ambitions. I'm wondering with the reemergence of the robust (or is it rotund) Goode into the international fold will continue the drift towards riches. The rumoured double salary of Goode at Brive from Leicester, is substantiated with Fluteys reported £100k to £300k per season increase. You can hardly blame the moves, particularly when it would appear that international honours do not inversely decrease as a result.


Racing Metro Paris, currently top of the French D2, have wound up the rumour mill claiming Chabal and Nallet are on ther way to the ambitious club. More interestingly so, Francois Steyn and the golden boy Jonny Wilkinson are also linked to the club funded by the largest estate agent in France. Intrigue indeed. Will Jonny finally take the plunge and leave his beleaguered Newcastle? I feel not, especially if there is no draw of Heineken Cup rugby - if he hasn't done this by now, I can't see him leaving for an equally unparalleled club.

To end on a positive note, England cricket are doing the usual rallying drive. Strauss and Collingwood put in good century knocks to take the under performing allies to an impressive 1st innings total. One can't but help to presume that this precipice won't be an easy one to maintain - especially if form has anything to go by.