Hello and welcome back to my blog
Just in between my posts about the future of the game I would like to comment about two things.
First, the talented Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. 22 years of age and last night scored his 4th ODI hundred (off just 69 balls) to guide his team home against Zimbabwe after taking 9-1-24-1. This lad is really good. Even if you want to scoff at the thought of scoring runs against Zimbabwe, he scored 108 against Pakistan while the rest crumbled around him. I found footage of that innings and his back-foot play is very assured, he has quick hands, the advantage of being a left-hander and great placement.
He now has 2000 runs @ 36 in ODIs plus 77 wickets @ 31 (econ of 4.08!)
In tests his stats are beginning to grow: 715 runs @ 29.79 and 48 wickets @ 28 (including 5 5WHs already!). A friend of mine suggested that he could be the NEXT man to enter the 3000 run 300 wicket club and that might be possible. Besides his own stats and ability, the value of such a player to Bangladesh will be great - a Hadlee type boost.
I first noticed him last year against New Zealand when he took 7-36 and batted well (out done by Vettori on that occasion but impressive none the less) and I really do hope he continues to succeed
On a sadder note, my favourite umpire David Shepherd passed away from cancer the other day. When I first began taking an interest in Test Cricket (2004) he was a memorable part of those games and in particular his hopping when a score reached a Nelson or multiple of that (111, 222, 333 etc); I fondly remember a commentator posing the question 'what if a batsmen were 111 over night? Would he spend the night hopping in his sleep?'
Indeed, at 1.11pm yesterday I stood on one leg as a sign of respect (or I tried to - honestly it turned out I was a minute off).
He will be remembered as a very good umpire, liked by the players and spectators because he included just the right amount of eccentric behaviour that permeates cricket and that we so enjoy
Rest In Peace
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