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British media lashes out

Sections of the British media have blasted World Cup organisers for providing cricket fans with one of the most boring World Cups in recent times. It all centres on the introduction of the white ball into the competition. According to the sports writers in the UK, the opening of the World Cup (which included the very first match between World Cup holders Sri Lanka v England) at Lord's was a 'damp squib' it set the tone for the entire competition held during a rain swept May and June.

The world's batsmen - Graham Hick of England, Ricky Ponting of Australia, Shaun Pollock of South Africa and Sri Lanka's frontline batsmen - Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharne, Roshan Mahanama, Aravinda De Silva, Marvan Attapattu, Arjuna Ranatunga failed to come to terms with the white ball.

Jonathan Agnew of BBC Radio 4 criticised the use of the white ball in the 1999 World Cup competition stating that it has resulted in some very low scores, In a stinging attack titled 'So exciting we're on the edge of our beds' David Lloyd of the London Evening Standard lambasted the World Cup organisers accusing them of a 'balls up.'

Lloyd observed: 'A competition which should be the sport's showpiece event every four years is in danger of being remembered - or, rather, all too quickly forgotten - for an almost total lack of excitement.'

The London Evening Standard put in down to the introduction of the white ball: 'The white ball torments batsmen far more than its red equivalent,' said leading cricket writer David Lloyd. He added: 'Perhaps it is the lacquer, which helps to produce sometimes-extravagant swing, and may be that also accounts for the seam staying taller and harder for longer. But everyone knew batsmen would struggle against it during the first 15 to 20 overs of an innings, particularly in damp, often overcast English conditions... and there was no need other than commercialism, for it to be used.'

A white ball demands coloured clothing. Coloured clothing demands a new design for all 12 competing countries. New designs demand new replica kits. New replica kits demand loyal fans and parents to pull out the cheque book. Cricket, always chasing new money, demands to see the cheque book as often as possible. White ball, more money, less excitement.

I think the tournament would have been even more exciting if the red variety - look at the previous World Cup tournaments. They were all very thrilling. It certainly would have resulted in some marvellous batting displays - true we have had some great individual innings but it hasn't set the entire competition alight - the white ball is king and the willow has tamely surrendered time and time again.

Someone who has been thrilling cricket fans in Lancashire with the red variety is our very own Muttiah Muralitharan who has become the hero of the cricketing media. What a difference a World Cup exit makes - now that Sri Lanka and England have been knocked out in the first round - Murali does not pose a threat to England players and cricket writers. So 'controversial Murali' is now 'Marvellous Murali'. The Daily Mail headlined the feat with 'Marvellous Murali in Seventh Heaven.' Sri Lanka-born coach Dav Whatmore of Lancashire exclaimed: 'He could get wickets on glass.' Whatmore's comment even ended up as The Independent's 'Quote of the Week.' Murali went on to grab fourteen wickets and prove to the world that he is indeed a class act. Where are all the critics now?

Meanwhile England has also appointed a committee of eminent person to examine their debacle in this year's World Cup. A recent letter to the Sports Editor of the Daily News recommended an excellent committee of people who know what they are talking about. One hopes that these eminent persons will play a hands-on role in examining the whole issue and recommending a new approach and a change of direction.