• Fueling conversations and igniting meaningful experiences for cricket fans around the world
  • Fueling conversations, igniting experiences

About Me

Ben Callanan

Current Rating: 5 / 5
Managing Director
JB Advisory Partners
Sydney, Australia

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My Activity

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Q: NSW CAS Schoolboys Cricket team - 1989
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Q: A scenario – the first over of an innings and the captain has set two slips, a gully, point, cover, mid off, mid on, mid wicket and a fine leg.

The bowlers first two balls are outswingers and the batter plays and misses both. Should the captain contemplate a field change and what would you suggest?
A: I would have no hesitation in taking out the cover and adding another slip. Leaving the gap at cover will encourage the batsman to look for runs in that area, increasing the chances for an edge behind.
If the bowler continues to bowl good out swing I would also consider a second gully or backward point in catching range.
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Q: If you have a promising young leg spinner in your team is it better for their confidence to bring them on to break a partnership or straight after you get a wicket when a new batter comes in?
A: Depending on conditions, I believe a captain should always back a promising young leg spinner and not hold them back for any particular reason. Support them with the appropriate field settings and encourage them the flight and rip the ball. Be positive in attitude towards the young player and instill confidence in them. They have been selected for a particular reason in the team. If the captain is not confident in the player then selections must be questioned. Young spinners The best way for a young player to learn is by bowling as much as possible in game situations.
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Q: As Aaron Finch calls stumps on his outstanding international career who do cricket fans believe should be the next Australian T20 Cricket Captain?
A: Good question. Here’s one out of left field, Cameron Green.
He has demonstrated the ability not only to be in the team but leads from his actions. Possibly too young for such a big commitment however a calm head who can take advice and drive a new era for the T20 side.
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Q: Does the captain of a cricket team have to be the best player in the team?
A: Certainly not in my opinion.
Cricket captaincy can be a very challenging and rewarding job. The best captains are generally not the best players, however they can be the more experienced players or those with a special “feel” for the game. A deep understanding of the intricacies of the game, of knowing their own player’s strengths and weaknesses as well as being able to quickly assess those of the opposition are the hallmarks of good captaincy.
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Q: I’d really like to know why in short form cricket and in particular T20, is the yorker not perfected and used more by bowlers, as it is widely acknowledged as the most effective delivery in the game?
A: I agree Steve. The yorker is a very effective and essential tool in any fast bowlers skill set. I feel that sometimes teams can over-analyse a batsman or situation and forget to use the simplest option which us the yorker. Variation in pace seems to be the first variation most use. Execution of any strategy is always the key and perhaps some bowlers are not confident they can execute ?
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Q: What would you consider to be the worst ball in an over to get out on and why?
A: A wide ball in my opinion. Being stumped or run out on a wide is a poor dismissal.