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« March 2007 |
April 23, 2007
Posted by Andrew Miller at
in
OK, so you've had time to consider all of the options. You've read the feature articles of our top 20 allrounders, enjoyed the memories of past great allrounder performances and watched some of the video profiles.
We've enjoyed reading and publishing your blog comments and following discussions, and occasional arguments, that have carried on over the last six months. We've received nearly 2000 blog posts on the greatest allrounder site and here's what you think:
You wonder why on earth is Chris Cairns not in the top 20 shortlist?
You ask why on earth is Ravi Shastri in the top 20 shortlist?
You say Flintoff is top-class player right now, no question, but has he done enough over his career to justify the tag of 'great'?
Not only that, but you think Imran Khan's aura as a captain and as a man only adds to his case, while Kapil Dev's allrounder performances in the 1983 World Cup inspired many a young India fan.
Sir Garry Sobers has the most vocal of the support
Anyway, it's time for the talking to stop and for the voting to start
- just who do you think is the greatest allrounder to have played the wonderful game of cricket? Get voting now.
April 17, 2007
Posted by Jenny Thompson at
in
When I were a lass growing up in t'north west of England, all the
local gossip centred on a defiant, destructive boy who was going
around shattering windows at will. But such demolition was to be
commended: at last cricket had a new Botham. The question, though,
was: would Andrew Flintoff be like all those other new Bothams who,
came, saw and failed to conquer?
Despite his thumping batting talent, and fast, accurate bowling, the
answer was: nearly. And his downfall was nearly of his own making.
Even when he'd reached the lofty heights of England, he nearly threw
it all away in 2001, overweight as he was and plagued by back
problems. But it's a measure of the man that he responded to the
resounding rollicking he received from Neil Fairbrother and Chubby
Chandler.
He slimmed down, toned up and returned fitter, stronger than before,
leading England to victory in arguably the greatest series ever, the
2005 Ashes, with some showstopping performances, not to mention
stepping into the breach as captain the following year. A nation took
him to their hearts.
But if you're going to judge a man as a great allrounder, then you may
want to consider his what he's like off the pitch, as well. Leaving
the recent Fredalo situation aside – he has come back before and he
can come back again - what's not often documented is his outright
loyalty to his friends.
Last year, in the middle of two fatiguing Pakistan and India tours –
and during his height as post-Ashes new-found superstar – not to
mention his family commitments, Flintoff still made time to rock up to
my old school to give a talk for his old Lancashire team-mate Gary
Yates' Benefit Year. He had promised a long time ago.
A few years ago, he also set aside time to travel to Lord's to cheer on his old
flat-mate Paddy McKeown's club side, Bramhall, as they lifted the
Club Championship title. Although an England player, he sat in the
cheap seats like an ordinary punter and joined in all the chants. He
had, he reported, an excellent day. A true man of the people, and for
the people.
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