English cricket. From Bazball to racism
For those who stayed up into the early hours of Tuesday or caught up with it later the result of the second Test between New Zealand and England was gripping stuff. Indeed New Zealand’s victory by one run was only the second such instance in Test history. Coming after they had followed on (batted again)made it even more significant.
Under new coach Brendan McCullum England play a form of cricket known as Bazball. Essentially it is aggressive and robust play with a focus on winning. So far it has been successful-this is only the second defeat. It also makes for watchable cricket since something is always happening. I should note that I am far from averse to cricket where nothing much appears to be happening but can accept that this isn’t likely to interest those currently not fans.
That is one side of English cricket. Another will be on display when the issue of racism at Yorkshire cricket finally reaches a hearing called by the game’s authority the ECB>
Yorkshire have admitted charges of racism after complaints raised by former player Azeem Rafiq, but nearly all those called to account have now refused to participate with the exception of former England captain Michael Vaughan. Hearings start on March 1st and are scheduled until March 9th
Rafiq’s complaints have raised wider issues about racism in English cricket, aired at two meetings of the Commons Sport Select Committee. There is no question there is an issue. There is also the matter about whether, aside from agreeing that point, the ECB is really doing anything about it.
According to media reports Yorkshire cricket is in financial difficulties due to payments made to staff sacked after the Azeem Rafiq complaints where appropriate processes were not followed. Its also reported that Colin Graves who presided over Yorkshire cricket from 2012-15 and then moved to the ECB may return to preside over the club.
If Bazball suggests a hopeful way forward for English cricket there are still a lot of issues to be addressed
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