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Q: Who is the one player from Sydney Grade Cricket who played between 1980 and 2000 you’d want as the first player selected if you had the opportunity to start your own NSW Premier first grade cricket team?
A: Tommy Shiner, always in the game.
CricConnect Fans
10 months ago
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Q: Back in the early 80s John Benaud returned to Cumberland as First Grade Captain after stints at Randwick and Penrith.
During a preseason training session, we were having slip catching practice. We were standing in an arc about 15 metres from JB who was smashing catches to us. He mishit one and I ran in to pick up the ball and lob it back to him from about 6 metres away. To my great surprise, he smashed the ball hard straight at me. I instantly saw red as I caught the ball and threw it hard straight back at him, yelling "What are you trying to do, kill me?".
JB just played the ball with a straight bat and said "You will field in the gully."
A: Hi mate, I think it’s what works for you.
Catching is as much about belief as technique, whether you think you’ll catch it or you think you won’t ……. Your right!
Geoff Williams
10 months ago
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Q: NSW Country Cricket team - 1996-97 Australian Country Championships in Toowoomba
Back Row - Ian Gorton (Manager), John Bickerton, Craig Trindall, Robert Jackson, Rhys Soper, Stephen Mace, David Wrixon, Tom Purcell (Coach)
Front Row - Mark Curry, Murray Christie, Nathan Holloway, Scott Atkinson (Vice-Captain), Gary O'Sullivan (Captain), Mark Austin, Glen Smede, Ruth Glover (Scorer)
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Q: Have England missed a trick by not selecting their best wicket keeper in the first test of the Ashes.
I understand Bairstow runs are important and he should be in the team but at what cost if he has the gloves on. Isn't Foakes a much better wicket keeper?
A: Foakes is head and shoulders above him in my opinion. I do believe these days a keeper has to score runs.To what cost, that will be decided in the aftermath of a loss.
I love watching a good keeper go about his /her work . If you don’t notice him/her they’ve done the job.
In conclusion, either Foakes gets better with the bat, or Bairstow gets better with the gloves..
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Q: Mosman Cricket Club Poidevin Gray team 1988-89
Back Row - Jason Gallian, Chris Darlington, Dean Gilchrist, Cameron Guthrie, Paul Dind, Kevin Jackman (Manager)
Front Row - Adam Wheeler, David Leishman, Scott Atkinson, Matthew Keech, Stephen Jones
Absent - Paul Ryan
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Q: My son is 15 and has been told if he doesn’t get selected in the pathways system, he probably won’t make representative teams in the future. Is this true and how can we help him, he so passionate.
A: Performance beats pathways mate.
Use that ridiculous statement and prove them wrong, good luck.
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Q: They three key roles of a wicket keeper in my mind are:
• Self-motivation – to be physical fit so you can make the effort to be in the right positions to take dismissals and be tidy behind the stumps.
• Drive – talking to and supporting your team mates to help maximise their efforts in bowling and fielding.
• Defend - to be the protector in the field. When the going gets tough or there’s a level of conflict the keeper needs to stand up for the team and not take a backward step
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Q: In relation to the Mankad issue and its increased regularity especially in T20 cricket.
Bowlers are penalised for going 1mm over the crease for a no ball and it cost the team one run plus a free hit which could mean the penalty is 7 runs if the free hit is hit for 6. Bowlers are also penalised if they’re stray outside the markers and the ball is called a wide and it could also cost their team 7 runs if the additional bowl is hit for 6. That’s all fine because it’s in the rules.
The Mankad is in the rules but it’s not a good look and creates tension amongst the players so with all the technology involved in the game what if a penalty is introduced to the batting team if the batter leaves the crease before the ball is bowled.
The technology and penalty take the pressure off the bowlers and the umpires and like the bowler’s penalties means the batters have to stick to the rules of the game.
Is 2 or 3 runs too much of a penalty, keen to get your thoughts.
A: Stay in your crease, if the batsman gets a head start and they take a quick single and makes his ground by the barest of margins the bowling team doesn’t get the ground back and miss out on a runout.
I do like Waynes idea of penalty runs to save tension.
Then again tension is part of the game.
Wayne Holdsworth
last year
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Q: What makes a good cricket captain?
A: Hi Peter , great question I believe a good captain above all is a leader, someone who can get the best out of their team.
• They know their team and what strategies will work for them.
• They believe in everyone and back them 100%
• They set clear game plans ( you know exactly what is expected of you)
• They are the ones I don’t want to let down.
• and most importantly……. They can win a TOSS 😂.
Peter Fitzgerald
last year
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Q: Many years ago when I was a youngster playing in Condobolin (450km West of Sydney) on drought ravaged ovals, sand soaked artificial wickets and doing your own umpiring from both ends I meet Robert Reed.
Reedy was a well-built aboriginal cricketer who bowled some serious left arm fast wheels.
Robbie played for us at the disapproval of the only aboriginal team in Condo, the Boomerangs.
Needless to say he would cop his fair share of sledging (only ever off the field and never on game day).
On this typical 40 odd degree day at the Association ground in the middle of a race track with no grass to be seen for 3 kilometres, we were playing the Boomerangs.
We lost the toss and in the field. Robbie was extra fired up to and keen to extract some pay back to his mob.
Robbie measures out his run up, throws his hat on the ground and country cricketers do and politely explains to me I should give myself a few more steps back than my usual crouch as the keeper.
Boomerangs opening batsman Normy Smith is at the strikers end, looking a little nervous.
“Centre please Albert”… Albert is the umpire.
First ball - Reedy is gaining pace with every delivery stride and for every one of his steps Norm is moving one step closer to the square leg umpire… whooosh, it’s a short ball and goes over Norm’s head by a foot and over my 5’ 8” frame… one bounce and over the boundary line.
Its clear self-preservation is the only thing on Norm’s.
Second ball and Reedy smelling blood.
It’s short again and slams straight into Norm’s gloves right in front of his nose, up in the air and into my gloves.
‘Hoowwsss that?” Robbie screams ……. And there’s a long lag, before the umpire says “Not Out’
“Not Out” screams Robbie “It came off his glove”
Albert the umpire says “not out, it came off his elbow”
Silence moves across the ground… and then Norm breaks the silence “nah nah Albert definitely of the glove mate… I’m outta here”
Well bowled Robbie
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Q: As a baseball catcher I’d like to ask about the relationship between the bowlers in cricket and the wicket keeper.
Baseball catchers offer signals to the pitcher so we know what pitches will be thrown. Do wicket keepers do the same as I can’t seem to pick up any.
How does the wicket keeper know what the bowler is going to bowl?
A: Gidday Toby, keepers watch the bowlers hand and action to pick what delivery the bowler will bowl.However a cricket ball doesn’t always do what the bowler wants it to do. So good keepers will watch the hand and ball closely, knowing what the ball may do but reacting to what it does do. As unlikely as it is ,you should be thinking you will have to catch every ball. Hope this helps mate,
Ps you can have that job as a catcher all to yourself mate…..😂
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Q: We have a difficult selection decision to make going into our season about our wicket keeper.
One of our top order bats (averaged 38 last season) keeps ok but is prone to a few mistakes a game especially to our spinners whereas we have a really good keeper who hardly makes a mistake but only averaged 16 with the bat and bats around number 8.
What our people’s thoughts on who to choose?
A: Keepers keep. Challenge your keeper to improve his batting to average 25. It's matter of working hard in the nets and building up his confidence. It sounds like his keeping is too valuable not to give him a go
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Q: As a young captain I’d like to ask why the Gully position is popular for fast and medium pace bowlers. I tend to see more balls go the 3rd or 4 slip area and wondered should I be using them instead of gully?
A: Hi Glen, you’ve obviously been given the captaincy for a reason. Go with your instincts, the only thing I will say is….. if your thinking about it do it straight away. The last thing you want is to see one fly through 3rd slip , and you where thinking I’ll change it next ball. Good luck mate
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Q: Two batters selected in a squad of 13 players but only one will play.
In the previous week and Batter A scored 165 in the first innings and 105 in the 2nd innings while in a different game Batter B scored 12 in the first innings and 50 not out in the 2nd innings.
Do you select Batter A or B to play in the XI?
A: A for me mate
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Q: I’m new to umpiring and have become quite fascinated about the psychology of the different guards’ batters choose when they come out to bat.
Batters ask for middle stump, leg stump, middle to leg, one leg, leg stump to off stump and other variations. Can I ask what you choose and the reason why?
A: I’ve changed over the years. To me it’s just knowing where I am in relation to off stump. I’m a lefty and I bat on leg now, so knowing where I start allows me better knowledge where I end up if I move around the crease in order to score
Matthew Phillips
last year
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Q: Modern day batters play the spinners with the bat in front of the pad where we grew up in the 1980s being taught to play with the bat beside the pad. I’m interested to know when it started to change and why?
A: This is only my opinion Lucas,
• the modern batsman wants to score at every opportunity, so they need to access the ball
• they are not as concerned about getting out
• DRS .. umpires tendered not to give you out if you where a long way forward
• if you hit it you can’t be LBW
• we where taught to hit with the spin,modern batsman can hit into the spin.
• in short if you get your leg out of the way and your bat in front it gives you more access to the ball
• the game has changed Lucas , and I like it. Us ole blokes may have to change with it?!
Will be interested to see some other opinions on this…. Good question mate.
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Q: What is the right footwork for a wicket keeper standing back to fast bowlers. Is it having the feet cross over behind each other as the keeper moves sideways or a shuffle where the feet following each other?
From memory as kids, we were taught to cross over the get extra distance, but a coach has mentioned to my son he should shuffle his feet as quick as possible
A: I always shuffled,it allows you to keep low and be in an athletic position to react to whatever may happen..fast feet head still as possible.
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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: Agreed, I found a good way to allow a spinner to relax and get into the game was to tell them they have X amount of runs to play with. Regardless of what their first couple of overs went for they didn’t fear being taken off.
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Q: I’m opening the batting next game for the first time. I’m not sure but I think I’d like to face the first ball and want to ask if people think there’s a benefit to facing the first ball?
A: Take the 1st pill Seb, they look quicker from the non strikers end. Show intent and remember the opening bowler is nervous too.
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Q: How important is the relationship between a spinner and their wicket keeper?
A: As important as a keeper and his spinner. Any keeper will tell you he’d rather take a stumping than a catch, spinners give that opportunity. Your keeper may be able to see things about a batsman you don’t. He can get the angles right. ( where the batsman is likely to hit the ball). So working together at training is paramount.
Keepers need to learn variations, pace turn so spinners gain confidence in there keeper and try things knowing we’ve got their backs.
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Q: What’s the one piece of advice you’d offer a teenage cricketer who’s looking to make their way in the game?
A: Back yourself.
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Q: If a wicket keeper has the skills and confidence to stand over the stumps to a slow medium pace bowler to create more chances for the team but the bowler doesn’t want like it, should the keeper persist or stay back?
A: Hi David , tough one. I believe if you think you are going to put pressure on the batter and a chance of dismissing them go for it. However you don’t want to upset your bowler to the point he loses his rhythm or changes what is working for them.The best time is when •the wicket is flat not much happening.
•the batter is batting out of the crease or charging.
• batter is falling over.
• the ball is not carrying and dropping short of you
Talk to the bowler explain why your doing it. Build a relationship together.
Maybe jump in the nets when their bowling.
He will gain more confidence in you, and I’m sure after you’ve pulled off a couple of lightning leg side stumpings he will want you there. Create chances ,drive your team.
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Q: Is age (young or old) a key criteria in selecting players in a cricket team?
A: Couldn’t agree more with Peter. Also if they're good enough they're young enough
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Q: I hear people talk about the spirit of cricket and would say it means different things to different people.
I’d like to ask what in your opinion is the spirit of cricket?
A: A tough question, one I think we all may differ. Cricket is a tough,competitive sport. I love this game and every time I take the field I’m doing all I can to win.
The Spirit of cricket for me is simple
• play hard
• play fair
•respect the umpires decision (umpires make mistakes but their never wrong)
• enjoy your team mates successes
• respect your opposition
•respect the history of the game
• above all respect yourself and remember no one man is ever greater than the game
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Q: For a wicket keeper how important is it to work on what some people say is the right technique compared to creating my own style as long as I get the job done?
A: Hi Evan, I'm all for all keepers finding their own style, as we are all different.
Technique is a bit different, all the great keepers did the basics right and trusted their techniques. If you're getting the job done your technique is more than likely good. Stay low , come up with the ball, and react to what happens.listen to the right people and be the hardest Trainer in your team. The short of it is Technique allows you to be in good athletic positions repeatedly , your style is yours alone good luck.
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Q: Can you remember how you first fell in love with cricket?
A: Growing up in a small country town like Condobolin, it was Rugby League in winter Cricket in the summer.
A few of my friends played, so I decided to give it a go.
The short of it is, the high I got when I got one out of the screws, that feeling of a specy, or stumping I’ve been chasing ever since. However the friendships you make along the way will last forever.
BTW……. I hate cricket too ….😂
CricConnect Fans
last year
blog post
Many years ago when I was a youngster playing in Condobolin (450km West of Sydney) on drought ravaged ovals, sand soaked artificial wickets and doing your own umpiring from both ends I meet Robert ...
blog post
I left my home town of Condoblin in Western NSW at the age of 18 with the dream of playing cricket in Sydney and beyond.I started playing with Mosman Cricket Club in 1986 and in 1993 I moved ...
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Q: What does it mean when people say the wicket keeper is coming up too early to spinners and what drills can help keepers?
A: Hi Mark,keepers should be trying to stay low and come up with the ball as it bounces. Almost like you’re coming under the ball. Watch the ball and react to what the ball does not what you think it may do.
• any drills you do work on technique.
• quality not quantity
• short catches 1m apart, eyes level, feet shoulder width apart,using your legs to drive you up , not bending from your back.
• longer catches pretty much the same.
Hands out in front , give with the ball.
Try to catch ball on your inside hip using fast feet to get into position.
• or simply get a stump and get someone to throw balls at you with and with out a shadow batter( someone who means to miss them.
Plenty more drills … try Utube
Hope this helps mate good luck
Ps .. remember you’re going to make mistakes. It’s ok👍🏼
blog post
Back Row - Ian Gordon (Manager), John Bickerton, Craig Trindall, Robert Jackson, Rhys Soper, Stephen Mace, David Wrixon, Tom Purcell (Coach)Front Row - Mark Curry, Murray Christie ...
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Q: What is the most surreal moment you've experienced in cricket?
A: Walking out onto Mosman oval, for my maiden 1st grade game at 18,playing with and against guys I respected so much.( realising I’m a long way from Condobolin)😂
CricConnect Fans
last year
