As any year reaches its conclusion, it is customary to look back at what it brought to bear. This week’s “The Wicket” podcast by Arab News does this from the perspective of players of the year, most memorable events, and the biggest positives and negatives. The column will look at significant moments in the year that were attended by the writer and which have significance for the game.
First was the inaugural edition of the DP World ILT20 in the UAE in January and February. This is another brick in the wall of the modern game, symptomatic of its future shape. It differs from other franchise leagues, mandating the inclusion of players from the UAE and actively seeking to recruit players from associate countries. One of its franchises is owned by Americans, who have recruited several Pakistani players. These developments could have long-lasting effects on UAE cricket.
Secondly, the ODI World Cup was an eye-opener into the Indian way of attending cricket. All of the razzamatazz of the Indian Premier League was transferred to the World Cup. However, for matches that did not involve India in the group stage, attendance was low, even allowing for suspected free admission. Various and frequent attempts were made to manufacture heightened noise levels. Cricket authorities round the world have sought ways of attracting younger people for decades. In India, it seems that camera opportunities and singalongs are the preferred methods.
Thirdly, as cricket has caught up with the suspension and cancellation of matches caused by COVID-19, the balance of international matches is shifting. In 2023, the highest-ever number of men’s ODI internationals were played, 220. This exceeds the previous high of 197 in 2007, also a World Cup year. Setting aside the pandemic-affected years of 2020 and 2021, the yearly average of international ODIs played between 2000 and 2023 was 144.
In comparison, 448 men’s T20Is were played in 2023, a fall from the highest ever number of 536 in 2022, a T20I World Cup year.
Remarkably, only three were played in its first year of introduction to the international circuit, 2005. The average number played between 2007 and 2018 was 60. In April 2018, the ICC decided to grant, with effect from January 1, 2019, T20I status to all of its 105 members, not just full members. At one fell swoop, the mechanism to formally increase the number of T20Is was introduced. They soared to 324 in 2019. Such matches had taken place in previous years, but were not formally recognized. Now, however, the shift of focus and balance of resources is clear to see.
The impact on Test cricket appears to be neutral, so far. The long run average of Tests played per year between 2000 and 2023, excluding 2022, is 44, in a range of 31 to 55. In 2023, 34 were played, but it is not uncommon for the number to fall in a World Cup year. This was the case in both 2019 and 2007.
A fourth feature of the year has been the gallant strategy adopted by the England’s men’s Test team to breathe fresh life into the format.
This involves an attacking mentality and a removal of fear of failure. It is not for everyone. However, it has generated some exhilarating cricket and one of the most glorious and memorable retirements of all time. The febrile atmosphere at the Oval as Stuart Broad attempted to claim the final Australian wickets was palpable. Not only did he achieve this, on the brink of being removed from the attack, but, earlier, he had hit a six off the last ball he faced in international cricket. This was the stuff of dreams. Test cricket’s ability to enthrall should never be underestimated. Rumors of its demise may be exaggerated.
Rumors of demise have been leveled at ODI cricket, a fifth feature of the year to explore. It has been labeled as too slow, especially in its middle overs, too long and too weighted in favor of batting. Whilst watching matches in the World Cup, there were reasons to ascribe to these views. There was frequent running onto the pitch by support staff with towels, refreshments and other equipment. Some of this was understandable given the weather conditions, but it does break up continuity of play. Hours of play were strictly adhered to. It was the timings which made the experience seem longer. Most matches began at 2 p.m. local time and finished sometime around 10 p.m. depending on how the second innings played out. This leaves no time in the rest of day, unlike other parts of the world. Of course, global broadcasting schedules influence timings.
Nevertheless, the World Cup generated many performances to savor. Chief amongst these were Glenn Maxwell’s two extraordinary innings. First was his fastest-ever ODI century off 40 balls, before which he said that he would be happy not to bat. Those present were pleased that he did. Second was his superhuman double century when all looked lost against Afghanistan. Severe cramps rendered him almost motionless, but he battled through to achieve legendary status. This was more stuff of dreams.
Toward the end of Maxwell’s innings, he was joined by his captain, Pat Cummins, who must have thought he was in dreamland. As Maxwell bashed away, Cummins watched amusedly from the other end, sharing in-jokes. The pair shared a 202-run partnership, Cummins contributing 12. In the final, Cummins surprised almost everyone by opting to bowl first against India.
His appointment as Test captain in November 2021 was criticized because he is a fast bowler. He has disproved the naysayers, reaffirming the notion that cricket’s playing integrity is underpinned by a captain’s own probity. Proof that a fast bowler can captain with distinction is significant for the game. Outstanding heroics in Tests and the ODI World Cup, such as those of Broad and Maxwell, could be significant in staving off demise. T20 cricket is not faced with decline nor, it seems, is noise, now normalized in cricket’s world.
