Graeme Swann is a joy – a junior national treasure. His ebullience and irrepressibility have been a breath of fresh air for the England side, not to mention his match-winning spin bowling. Such is our affection for him, we’re loath to criticise any of his endeavours, from the sprinkler dance to his tour diaries or attempts to be a rock singer. But that said, we can only report that his new autobiography distinctly fails to satisfy. There is a simple reason for the book’s...
Melbourne Stars to sign professional poker player
We all knew there was a dearth of talent in Australia, but we didn’t realise the situation was this bad. It was announced yesterday that Melbourne Stars are set to sign a professional poker player for this year’s Big Bash T20 League. What’s more, the bloke in question is forty-two years old. Melbourne’s new signing looks vaguely familiar but it’s hard to say exactly who he is. He looks a little bit like an Aussie leg spinner that used to terrorise English batsman, but his skin is too tight...
Hair today, but gone tomorrow
No, this article isn’t a tribute to former Derbyshire, Gloucestershire and England baldy Kim Barnett, it’s a tribute to Sree Sreesanth, and his ever changing hairstyle – which unfortunately, due to the imminent return of Zaheer Khan for the third test, English audiences won’t get to see again for a while. It’s a real shame. In Nottingham, Sree was sporting some kind of 1980s retro scouser haircut, an apparent tribute to shiny Puma tracksuits and Harry Enfield skits. An unofficial...
Could Tim Bresnan be England’s new cult hero?
There’s something about nuggety Yorkshiremen that the English cricket watching public can’t resist. With the possible exception of Richard Blakey (no, we don’t remember him either) they’re often gritty performers, who play with spirit, a sense of humour, and a bit of fire in the belly. They’re often a little bit porky too – just like Darren Gough. They also give Geoff Boycott something to get excited about in the commentary box: ‘in cums Gough from tut Kirkstall Lane End; great physique for...
