Saturday, June 8, 2013

I Surged and So Can You.......

Today saw a match between England and Australia. England came out strong with Bell putting up 91 and a few other guys in the 30's and 40's, resulting in 269 for Australia to chase. Australia for their part didn't have any 3-wickets hauls but McKay and Faulkner both had 2 a piece with pretty good econ rates. Enter Australia: Warner and Watson got off to a slow start and the speed never really picked up. Bailey and Faulkner both got 1/2 centuries but it was no near enough to bring England down. Anderson led England's bowlers with a 3 wicket haul and an econ rate of 3.00. So well done England! Hope they can keep it going.

As for us, there was lots of action. I had a surge, so did Bob. Moira slipped as did James. No need to worry folks there is lots of cricket left. The rumor poolside is that Bob is banking heavily on the Sri Lankans and Anna will only charge you a dollar to see the results of her tri-grouping pivot experiment. The excitement continues to mount..........

Tomorrow we see the last of the 8 teams New Zealand and Sri Lanka. They are both looking to add some trophies to their tiny collections so it should be a good game. Enjoy!

Friday, June 7, 2013

Time to Surge

Did ya all see the worm? Damn Catherine had a fine surge. I was wondering if Anna was just going to run away with this but Catherine is keeping her in check for sure - Catherine, did you assign your maths students to create pivot tables for you?? Just wondering. Well done.

The game seemed like a bit of a bore, but I wasn't watching it so maybe it was exciting. I tried to check in with the commentary but between the rain delay and a lot of talk about what the first day of the millennium was, well..... So anyway, the West Indies beat Pakistan by 2 wickets with 56 balls remaining. Pakistan batted first and put up 170. Only two of their batsmen did squat, Jamshed with 50 and the Hawk with 96. The rest all scored in the single digits! Both Roach and Narine were able to rack up 3 wicket hauls, well done to the bowlers. Then the West Indies took to the bat, no one did anything to exciting with the highest score coming from Gayle (39), but then they didn't really need to did they. Seems like it was a pretty easy win for them. So, does this mean Pakistan is bottom of the barrel this tournament or does it mean West Indies have their eyes on the finals? It remains to be seen.

Tomorrow we have an ashes preview with England and Australia. Apparently Australia isn't looking good and were crushed in a practice match by England not long ago. Australia's captain Michael Clarke is out with a bad back. Not to worry though because he is being looked after by the wiggles personal fitness guru. Apparently this guy even played guitar on one of the wiggles albums, so I'm sure Clarke is in good hands. And if not maybe he can have a second career as the green guy, Sean will be so pleased.

As for the rest of us. There was a bit of shifting but nothing compared to Catherine's surge. Jolie seemed to flatten a little while I don't think Katy S nor Hillary had people playing. You know there is a game everyday right ladies? And you have like 75 trades right? Just saying, maybe they have some secret strategy....hmmmmmmmmmm............

Good luck everyone, you're gonna need it because I'm planning my own surge tomorrow.

Go Catherine Go


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Day One Done

So we have begun and what a start it was, for some at least. Anna? That is some pivot girl! More on that later. For those of you who are new to my commentary let me fill you in on some history. I have no real knowledge of the sport. I had never seen a game until Michael dragged me to the West Indies to see the World Cup a few years back. With two kids running around and strange start times I don't see many of the games in the tournament. I try and follow the commentary on cricinfo when I can. So, when I sit down to write my recap of the day I look over the score card and make shit up. Frequently I use vocabulary that I know I've seen somewhere but I may or may not know what it means or if I am using it appropriately. My Mom thinks I'm brilliant, but then again she knows less than I do and, well, she's my Mom. My Mother-in-Law tells me I do a great job but frankly I think its more likely that she and Henry are just having a good laugh each evening. So, with that said, let me dazzle you with my witty banter, and you can ignore me if you like.

The opening match saw India trounce South Africa by 26 runs. India batted first and their openers must have been something to see - not me, I didn't see them, I was snoring at the time. But, I am sure no one in the right time zone could have slept through the openers. Sharma got 65 and the first century of the tournament went to Dhawan with 114. That set up India pretty nicely and after 50 overs they had posted a respectable 331 with 3 wickets to spare. Of note in the bowling arena, R. McLaren got 3 wickets! Well done Anna for choosing him as your captain. How do you do that? I mean no one has heard of this guy! How did he figure into your pivot?

So with 331 to chase South Africa took the field, or went out, or came up to bat, or something. Anyway, it was their turn to hit the ball. It started out rocky but then Peterson and de Villiers started to put up a fight. Neither one reached a century but they can at least hold their heads up. Then my man Faf comes in, or out or whatever. He was partnered with Miller for all of 3 minutes and he pulled a classic du Plessis. He hits the ball, screws up the hand signals, then when they are run out he lets Miller take the golden duck for him! Michael was not pleased with me for that one as Miller earned him -20. Its all part of the plan my love, all part of the plan. Enter McLaren who rallied late to 71 but SA still came up short. So well done India.

As for us: Anna is the news of day, her brilliant captain choice propelled her to the top of the worm and #4 overall in the world! Let me also take this opportunity to thank Anna for taking up worm detail, Michael is distracted with outdoor tables, pocket hole jigs, and sketch-up. And we love a good worm! Catherine and Katy S should also be congratulated on jobs well done followed not to far behind by Moira and James. Moira! take a screen shot cause I think this might be your highest placement yet. It may not be the sweaty teddy for you after-all!

Tomorrow is West Indies v. Pakistan. Should be a good one, enjoy!

Worm 1


Just testing out the worm post.  And of course, why wouldn't I?

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Are you ready to rumble????????

OK, does everyone have their strategies ready to go? I myself think I do, but then again maybe not......... I had picked out a great South African sleeper that was going to cinch my early rise to the top of the worm and then, well, he's not listed in the predicted line-up, so I ditched him. Took myself some Faf du Plessis, cause who doesn't want a guy on the team with a name like that. Michael doesn't understand my fascination, I guess its like South Africa's version of Smith or something. Anyway, Faf du Plessis and I will be worming our way to top just you watch. Ofcourse, I still haven't taken a class on pivoting so who knows. Can you set Faf as the pivot point? Would that help him crack some sixes? Just a suggestion.

Apparently we should be able to get the games through the x-box. So, anyone in town feel free to come on over for a match or two. Maybe an early morning finals party...hmmm.....Actually I think Jolie will be here that day, no better way to get indoctrinated than a 5am cricket match! Will have to do some planning.

So, we kick off the tournament in a few short hours with a match between India and South Africa. They haven't played each other since 2011 or so I've read. And I guess the folks playing now don't much resemble the folks who played then. So....should be a good game. Happy cricketing folks and get your hankies ready cause you'll be eating my dust soon!

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