The Cult Spreads

[flanflinger]

http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/CR...12JAN2005.html

Originally Posted by CricInfo

It was the first time that a game at the WACA has been sold out since a one-dayer between Australia and West Indies in 1981.

Looks like the Twenty20 cult has spread, and no wonder the format is perfect for the Casual veiwer who wants a beer some cricket action on the way home from work.

[Beny]

Really just a case of curiosity at the momment. We'll have to wait to see how it lasts. A few games have been played so far (including a few at Premmier and local level which went well).

[flanflinger]

Beny,

Many people said that in England after the first year of Twenty20. Good first year, butlets see what happens next year.

The next year more people turned up and there were more games, many sold out, including one at Lords (the biggest attendace all season)

It is not classic Cricket, it will never replace Test matches. But as a format for domestic Cricket it works. Grounds that would normally be empty for a Derby v Leicester game are full.

It works as you can do a days work, pitch up at the Cricket, have a beer, enjoy some great entertainment. All over in time for a slap up Curry and a few more beers beofre heading home.

It attracts more kids and more women.

Many of my mates who would not normally go to a Cricket game come along to the Twenty20's and love it. Isn't that what adminstrators of Cricket should be doing getting people watchinglove Cricket.

It is amazing to think that a Australian state game is the first sell out since the early eighties (Including International Test, ODI's and a World Cup!!)

[Seamer]

As a cricket purist, i am no great lover of 20/20 cricket. I watched a few overs tonight, decided it reminded me of school cricket, and promptly turned over to watch the Eng/SA test. That said, the game should probably be expanded in the coming seasons to get the casual cricket followers through the gate. Cricket Australia are facing huge losses this season, and perhaps 20/20 might help reverse this financial problem.

[flanflinger]

Seamer I agree with you it is not for the Purist. If you want that you are well catered for with Test Cricket and First Class Cricket.

Twenty20 is for the casual viewer. The fact is many of my mates tell me they like Cricket, but just can't be bothered to go to a game which lasts five days and if they go to one day of it they may only see one side bat and they won't get a result.

They wont take a day off work to watch a one-day game, so Twenty20, whoch starts at the end of the working day. They get to see some big shots, some great fielding and bowling, they get to see both sides bat and bowl, and they get a result. This fits nicely into their diary.

Wherever you are in the world, Cricket needs to attract new audiences. That includes women and also more imprtantly kids.

Also the fact is that County Cricket here is often watched by three men and the dog (and the dog's asleep) so the fact that they have domestic teams playing in front of full houses, with the addotional money involoved, it has to be good long-term for Cricket.

I do hope Ausralians get into it to.

[Shaka]

I attended a Twenty20 game at Durham and while it's not the best cricket, as a form of entertainment it works. Casual supporters definitely like it, it fits in with working people's schedules, not to mention school kids. I think it's here to stay.

[Seamer]

Flanflinger, i have no doubt Australia will take it on, firstly because it will be a definate money spinner and believe me, Cricket Australia needs the cash. Secondly, Australia will never allow itself to fall behind in any form of cricket. Lastly, if people that would never usually come to the cricket start coming, they might develop a taste for it and become test enthusiasts. This is the best English export since the convicts i think.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Seamer

This is the best English export since the convicts i think.

Glad you said that and not me!!! Would have got me banned for a day!!

[dagonz]

Does anyone have any information on how non-cricketing nations have taken to this form of the game? I admit it is a different game from 'traditional' cricket but could be just the right steps towards bigger & better world cups in the distant future

[flanflinger]

The USA had a version of it last year, but I really don't know how well it was received.