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The lure of T20 matches irresistible

Presently we’ll be more interested in the trivial than the true, writes Peter Roebuck

During the week viewers were given the choice between watching a shivering and lacklustre West Indian team going through the motions in a five-day match and the last over dramas offered by Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

No matter how strong the devotion to Test cricket, no matter how deep-rooted the rejection of IPL’s razzamatazz, the lure of the 20-over matches was well-nigh irresistible.

IPL may be a passing phase, might be over the top, might lack critical scrutiny, might be vulnerable to nefarious forces, but at least it is trying. And it does offer the sight of Shane Warne bowling to Sachin Tendulkar, great spinners defying the odds, outstanding captains plucking victory from defeat’s grasp, and a commitment to victory with its joys and sorrows.

Better fare

It is sincere. Whether or not it can create its own heroes is another matter. Like most long beards I regard Test cricket as the highest expression of the game. Nevertheless the fare provided by the IPL was infinitely better than the insipid exchanges seen in Durham.

The sight of Chris Gayle wondering around in several sweaters after belatedly deigning to turn up told the tale. Nor did it seem sensible to ignore Dwayne Bravo. The West Indies revived Test cricket in the 1960’s and fielded its greatest team in the 1980’s but has been brought to its knees by selfishness and greed.

Alas, the region has been unable to replace the cricketers created by sugarcane fields and Sunday schools. Simply, the supply dried up. The slide has been tempered only by the emergence of two great left-handed batsmen.

Apart from its inability to provide warm weather, England was blameless for the wretchedness. Indeed its fortunes have been rising under African leadership.

A few months ago a drawn Ashes series seemed probable on the grounds that neither side was quite good enough to win or bad enough to lose. Now the host may have an edge.

Tough decisions

England has already taken its tough decisions and can spend the next few weeks building confidence. The old guard has been discarded, the past has been put in its place and opportunities given to men whose best days lie ahead.

Andrew Strauss’s team is balanced and flexible enough to absorb another batsmen or even a second spinner. Admittedly Kevin Pietersen has resembled a bear with a sore tooth but it’s unusual for all 11 players to be on top of things. He needs to forget about grievances, hurt ego and get back to work.

Meanwhile, the Australians are in a pickle. In January the path forwards seemed clear. After defeats in India and at home, an emerging team was sent to South Africa and promptly took the Proteas by surprise.

But the selectors had not actually rejected anyone. Matthew Hayden retired and the other old hands were injured. No hard decisions were taken. Now the veterans are back and eager to play against their ancient rivals.

Successful trials

Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds appeared against Pakistan and were given permission to play in the IPL. By and large the trials were a success.

These fellows have formidable records. On the other hand Lee did not take wickets in 2005 and has not used a red ball effectively for a year.

Clark is a fine operator but no longer an automatic selection. Symonds is menacing but his brain has been malfunctioning. Watson has not been bowling. And it’s no use taking too much baggage on a long trip. Anyhow the issue cannot be avoided.

Let’s hope for a cracking series. Cricket needs it. Otherwise, presently we’ll be more interested in the trivial than the true.

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