Scotland taught harsh lesson
There was as much chance of an upset as the sea freezing over between the islands of St Kitts and Nevis as Australia fully justified their remarkable pre-match odds with one bookmaker of 250-1 on.
But Scotland were not humiliated - they bowled intelligently and with purpose until Australia’s late innings onslaught; and they showed some resolve with the bat when they could have folded completely after being reduced to 42-5.
The gulf between the teams, however, provided more ammunition for those who question the presence of the five associate member nations in this World Cup. Scotland were ruthlessly outplayed by opponents who gave the impression they had plenty more in reserve and it did not make for riveting viewing, except when Ricky Ponting upped the ante with some glorious strokes.
Scotland though deserve to be here in the Caribbean - they did win the ICC Trophy, remember. But they and the other associate teams need to provide evidence that they are making progress. Merely taking part is not enough.
Scotland’s wicket-keeper Colin Smith showed the required character. He cost his side 90 runs by dropping Ponting off Dougie Brown, but salvaged plenty from his day with a half century. His innings included several thumping off-side strokes against the fastest bowler in the tournament, Shaun Tait and provided some cheer for the Tartan army.
Despite a sizeable presence from Scotland, there were vast numbers of empty seats at Warner Park. This was both predictable and dispiriting. Australia against Scotland is not an obviously enticing prospect for residents of St Kitts so it needs to be sold sensibly. The ICC’s ticket price plan - imposed on the island - failed to do this.
Spectators were required to pay US $25 for the cheapest tickets, and $90 for the best covered seating. There are six matches on this ground in eleven days. The average weekly wage here is US$60. You do the arithmetic.
When England toured the Caribbean in 2004, there were vociferous complaints from supporters about the two tiered price structure which resulted in tourists paying vastly more than locals for tickets.
The answer is twofold. By all means charge the tourists more but do not fleece them. Secondly, make sure that local fans are offered an appealing price on unsold tickets.
A full house produces a better atmosphere, a greater sense of occasion and a more attractive product for television. Surely no TV executive wants to see matches played in front of banks of empty seats.
Great article, watched the match, totally boring. Hope the South Africans stuff da Aussies!
Pakistan to win the world cup......... gotta be optimistic and keep da faith, lol.
Complain about this postwell done scotland. you were beaten by a better side, but could really have crumbled at one stage. good luck in your next two fixtures.
as an aside, the ticket prices are disgusting.
Complain about this postYou have to remember the population of St. Kitts is 40,000.. and this is spread over several islands. Even at a lower price, it would be hard to get the locals to take time off work to see a match like this, especially when you're asking over 25% of a population to attend an event. Who even knows if 25% of the population enjoy cricket, they do pretty well in Football regionally.
Complain about this postScotland weren't robbed. Just watching the highlights and a ball that hit the rope on the full is given as a six? Don't wish to be rude but the ICC man on the spot must know that to be six you have to clear the rope...
Complain about this postWere he a Premiership referee he would be demoted. It affects the game in no way but shows negligible knowledge of the laws of the game.
Can I say to all those who are rubbishing the match that I really enjoyed it as a neutral, especially when Brown started to hit out. The Aussies mastery of the bowling was evident, but there was a lot of promse there, especially considering not too long ago England were getting beaten by similar margins by Australia. Its just a shame that the major cricket international tournament was dropped for a football match bang on the start of the programme in the bar i was watching it.This is a mindset people in Britain need to remove if any countries , England, Scotland or Ireland, are going to win the world cup. At the minute, the support for cricket is just not there.
Complain about this postHow the associate members improve without regular exposure to the big boys.
At the very least they should have regular 'A' team tours against the top 6 and a decent amount of matches against the rest.
Not just for one dayers either, lets see them get more 4 day cricket at a reasonable standard, its the only way they'll improve.
Complain about this postIt is a disgrace when seats are empty at a WC game, put kids in them, parents, sell the seats on the day, anything, but get bums on seats... it is as much about rekindling the developemnt of the game as it is about the business of the game- surely?
Complain about this postIt seems a liitle unfair to demote him for making a correct decision. According to Law 19, the definition of beyond the boundary includes "any part of a line or a solid object marking the boundary, except its boundary edge". It landed on the rope; it was a six. I believe this point was clarified in 2001 by the MCC.
Complain about this postCouldn't agree more with most of the comments on here. Simon's reflections on the match are spot on. All credit to Scotland, they did their best but it was clearly a mismatch.
The ticket prices were wholly unjustified. If it was a resonable price people would turn up. It was a shame to see so many empty seats which can be filled so easily by sensible pricing. Surely 15,000 at $10 a ticket is better than 2,000 at an average of say $35 a ticket. Organisors make more money and fuller stadiums make for a better atmosphere, resulting in better marketing for the game of cricket. Everyone would benefit
Complain about this post"But they and the other associate teams need to provide evidence that they are making progress. Merely taking part is not enough."
Wrong. We need do no such thing. We deserve to be there as do all the others as you'll see. At least we bettered 85 all out unlike Holding's lot!
You want to watch your 'big boys' then watch the ICC Champions Trophy. That's what that's for. Bet your dreaming of a deadly dull Chelsea v ManUre FA Cup final too eh. Yawn? I nearly felt rigor mortis setting in.
How can we improve if we don't play these teams more often!!! It is literally impossible. Look the word up to find exactly what that means. Who are you exactly anyway?
Do you think Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc were good before they got Professionals and test status?? We need Pro's and test status.
It's not open to debate, it's a fact.
Well done the Scots lads. 2nd game is always easier!!
Complain about this postWhy is everyone getting so worked up about a game which only nine of the planets' nations take seriously.
Complain about this postI think Scotland played all right, other than the period at the end of the oz innings and the start of ours.
Complain about this postI'm bemused by post number 4, though. If it's not a six when the ball lands on the rope, what would be the call if it (somehow) bounced off the rope and came back into the field without crossing? Either it's crossed the boundary without bouncing, or it hasnt crossed at all.
I do agree that associate members should be allowed into the tournament, it would be, in my opinion, a mockery if these countries were not allowed into the World Cup. I believe it has to be truely global, and allow every nation a chance.
Where you say these associate countries need to provide evidence of progress is where I take issue with the ICC. How can these countries improve to a standard of being to compete with the Test playing nations, if they are only allowed to play against them every four years in the World Cup tournaments?
Surely, it would be in the interest of the world game, the up and coming cricketing nations, and the ICC as a whole, if more regular competition was allowed between associate members and full member countries?
Complain about this postEveryone has reiterated that minnows can only improve by playing against better teams. Sri Lanka is a classic example and Bangladesh also have improved by leaps and bounds. They could be threat to any team. I expect them to be major cricketing power in next 12-15 years. But, the fun will be only will have good teams and the only way to improve is by playing against teams like India and Australia. Its more of learning experience for these guys and Kenya made it to semi finals last time. So, I expect Bangladesh and Kenya to make it big in next 10-15 years which will be good for game. Ireland, Holland and Scotland could also be one of the better teams once they play big boys.
Complain about this postI think Simons comments about the associate nations playing in the world cup are stupid. How can the bbc get someone that doesnt know anything about cricket to blog about the world cup. if he had a good knowledge of cricket he would know that when the World Cup started in the 70's Sri Lanka were an associate nation yet they then won the cup in 1996. The whole point is about the development of other nations within the cricketing world and bringing cricket into that spotlight for that nation. Maybe inticing a new generation to take up the sport and maybe provide a brighter future for that country in cricket
Also post number 4 guy go out and buy yourself a clue. if you knew about cricket then if it hits the rope on the full its a 6. its funny that he's berating the official for having no knowledge of the game when he has none himself!!!
Complain about this postHow can associate teams get any better unless they play the best teams in the world? Scotland et al are vital at the world cup if cricket is to spread to other nations.
Complain about this postI'm Scottish and I've just started following cricket, I think that the only way the smaller cricketing nations will improve is through competition against the established nations. Now that the sport is getting more focus in the rest of the uk it is perhaps time that only english cricketers should play for England. Any Welsh, Irish or Scottish players should play for their own nations - Ireland with Ed Joyce in their line up would be a much improved side and he would be a talisman for any Irish kids wanting to take the sport up.
Complain about this postscotalnd played well
they did whatever they could
but good to see aussie back ontrack
punter got 100
mcgrath got 3 wickets
tait on board
this is good sign
Complain about this posti think scotland did ok...aussies are great team. i think people should remember some of our ashes defeat much worser than scotland defeats. Considering scots gave 110% whereas our olt didnt
Complain about this postI was in St Lucia in 2004 for the back-to-back ODIs, and the ticket prices for us were comparable to home ODIs. The stadium was packed to the rafters and we had a great couple of days mixing with the locals and drinking rum coolers!
What the ICC should have done (despite telling us that everything is sold out, another lie) is let all the tickets that haven't been sold for a match go on sale to the general public at sensible local prices. How else do they expect to get kids interested in the sport and make the West Indies a great side again?
Complain about this postWas this story really needed? An obvious outcome from an ordinary match even the most optimistic scottish supporters would have known what the result would have been! We don't need to be told how good the Australians are compared to the scottish!
Complain about this postSimple question - why did Scotland put Australia in? I think the answer to this says it all. These games are a total mismatch and a farce.
Complain about this postHi Simon,
just to comment on some of your comments
I think Scotland did okay against the current world champions - particularly when you remember that the majority are part-time players.
I think they were right to put the Aussies in to bat - and gain the additional experience of bowling for 50 overs against them (regardless of ground conditions!)
As to the pricing structure - I believe that you are correct, and it should be noted that similar concerns were held by potential spectators for the Rugby World Cup in 1999 - there were lots of 'lesser nations' matches with hardly any spectators. Common complaints were the timing of the matches - mid-week afternoon, and the excessive pricing enforced on the national unions. I suspect that these concerns will go on until someone takes a really radical view and takes real action, however when you are planning so far ahead, it is difficult to assess (sometimes) which games will hit a chord with the spectators.
I look forward to the rest of the Cricket World Cup! Thanks for the excellent coverage so far!
Neil
Complain about this postwell done scotties..... hope you will improve some day and give us a good match.
hoping that sombody except kangaroos will win the CUP.
:-)
Complain about this postJalpesh (comment 15) - You make a valid point about the need for associate member sides to be given experience against the better teams, but the "good knowledge of cricket" comment is totally unnecessary. In case you waren't aware, Simon is a member of the BBC's Test Match Special commentary team and spends a great deal of his professional life reporting on cricket.
Complain about this postI draw paralels with Italy joining the 6 Nations Rugby Union tournament. At first they were hammered by all and were something of a joke but it gave them the valuable platform to grow and develop - now they are beating teams like Scotland and Wales. It can only be good for the game as long as further investment and infastructure is put in place.
Complain about this postThis is only my opinion but I think the stage is set for this World Cup to be the Glenn McGrath Show.He is not a cricketing legend for nothing and I think the cricketing Gods will make sure of it.I think he will bag a ton of wickets and retire the hero.
Complain about this postMy background is not in cricket although I have played the game. I have however played sport internationally for Scotland where we were one of the small nations. Playing the best teams in the world allows the small nations to gauge where they really are in terms of skill. It also allows the players to see what is really required to be a top player. Watching them from the sidelines is not enough. To get on the pitch with them and learn from them is a huge boost in experience.
Cricket has been a closed world for so long. It is almost impossible for a country to move forward because smaller countries never get the opportunity to play against top quality players.
At worst for the top nations get some batting and bowling practice before the serious games but this is invaluable experience for the smaller nations and if cricket closes its doors to the small countries then it is taking a collosal step backwards for everybody. The gulf is huge but stopping them from competing is not the way to help close that gap.
If cricket fails to move forward it will eventually just stagnate. Is it really exciting to play the same 6 teams for an entire career.
Complain about this postThere was no doubt about the result but its good to see the associate nations take part at the highest level because this is how they get experience and exposure.
We will see how good Australia is when we play South Africa.
Complain about this postThe UK National Statistics Office only gives UK median weekly wages but it's ok for this comparison. The ticket prices are clearly bonkers.
$25 of $60 is 42%
Complain about this postUK median weekly wage is £447
42% of £447 is £188
Good effort by the Scots. They were right to bowl first - with respect, it may have been a very short match otherwise!
Complain about this postScotland Taught Harsh Lesson?
Really? Seems a misguided title to the article, as well as the arrogant demand that the associate nations "need to show they are improving".
The first point, Scotland would have been taught a harsh lesson if they were banging on before the game how they were going to gut Australia or some other delusional waffle (like you often get out of the England camp).
Scotland performed to the best of their ability, and teams like this, ciomposed of people who are not professionals, should be supported out of respect for the commitment of the players.
Especially as they do not have the massive support structure behind them that the major nations do.
Well done Scotland and full credit to their players for their effort.
My first thought, when reading posts that said these games are a farce etc......was England = Ashes...and England = early games of the CB series, before their agents presumably got on the blower and said they were in danger of losing advertising deals left, right and centre, and the team realised it had something to play for.
These games serve the dual purpose of providing valuable warm ups for the major nations before the heart of the tournament and also, exposure to top quality players can only benefit the associate member teams.
As to the ticket prices? Yes, disgusting. A two tier price system (for tourists and locals) seems much fairer. If you can afford to take a couple of weeks off work and spend it boozing in the West Indies then you can afford to subsidise the people who are hosting you to watch a match.
Complain about this postI agree with the majority of these posts saying that Scotland were totally outclassed yesterday, the evidence of this was clear to see. However i do remember that England were bowled out twice for even lower totals than this less than two months ago. I thought that yesterday the scottish players gave a good account of themselves and were not embarassed at any stage. It very good for scottish cricket to see our players in the caribean playing with the best in the world. It will encourage many of our highly talented young players to push themselves on to the next level so they are playing at the next World Cup. I just hope that we can improve on this performance and give south africa a decent game in our next match.
Complain about this postPs there will be a win for the one of the associate countries against one the big guns at this tournament.
It's a game of cricket. Between two nations. Rank is irrelevant. Just enjoy it.
Surely there's enough talent on display, regardless. Would you apply the same "poor minnows" logic to eg Brazil v Vanuatu at soccer? No. You'd just admire the Brazilians - and hope the islanders got good things from the experience.
As for those bitching about it not being a global game, how is it ever going to achieve that status if senior competition is restricted to the full-Test nations?
Really, get a grip.
The only thing that bugs me is the sensationalist media hype that would have had you believe Scotland (in this case) had any chance of winning. But leave them out and they never will.
Complain about this postScotland bowled well,so they are reasonable in that department.Their batting is not good.There doesn't seem to be much money put into Scotland cricket.Will they improve if that does not change?Does the ICC give them funds towards developing their cricket?
Complain about this postThe captain stated he put Australia into bat because of the conditions.Early morning is the only time the pitch has something in it for the bowlers,apart from spin.
That is my reply to the cynic in post 22.
I guess he knew that the batsmen would struggle and his best option was to bowl first.It is not as if Australia would not be able to chase the runs put on the board by the Scots.
Post 17
I think you have a good point regarding Scottish, Welsh and Irish players not having to chose between their own nation and England, especially in day cricket.
However, the only way to allow this to happen would be to officially change the English Test cricket team to Britain or Britain and Ireland and allow the home nations (including Wales) to compete in one day cricket separatley.
Gavin Hamilton was unable to play for Scotland for four years after his one Test for England in SA in 99 and a player of his experience could have worked wonders for the development of the Scottish game during his exile. If the ECB made a slight alteration to the test side that is already England and Wales (with Scots added as they please) then the likes of Ed Joyce could continue to develop as a Test cricketer yet boost Irish cricket by playing for their one day team.
Complain about this postindia and dhoni will win da cup
Complain about this postI would like to see a ODI tournament between, England A, Soctland and Ireland. It would allow both Scotland and Ireland to improve and encourgae more fans to come along to games.
Maybe also have the academy sides from each of the "home" nations play each other. As a Scottish cricket fan I for one would like to see more Internationals against the test palying nations. Look at Argentina in rugby they used to get walloped when playing the traditional nations and look where they are now.
Just something to think about.
Complain about this postI think every thing happens through states.... Its like if these teams (minnows) dont win matches against test playing nations there will be hardly anyone playing that game in their country. So ICC must have a plan to support these teams without compromising the Quality of the game.
Many of us know about EPL. What happens there. Sheffield United always get beaten up by all top teams. Sometimes there in the premiership or not there. Still they have 30 odd teams playing for EPL. If we should go by standard of the game, there are always top 8-10 teams doing well and others catching up.
I am not saying they have got right, but neigther us (cricket)
ICC should have a long term plan with action items to get more teams playing competitive cricket at intl level.
Complain about this postFor the associate member teams, the world cup is pretty irrelevant to their development as most of them only play a few games, get comprehensively beaten and go home. Development of these smaller cricketing nations comes from what happens in the time between World cups. They need to be playin regular competetive cricket as a national side and have access to better training. The investment for these sort of iniciatives should come from the international cricketing authorities (thats if they are actually interested in widening the game to new countries).
Id love to see the world cup as a truely international tournement with the sort of participation seen in the football equivalent. However i cant see how the current structure of international cricket (with the people who run the game) can ever bring about such an event.
Complain about this postI thought we did OK. Nobody seriously thought we would even get within a 100 runs of the Aussies but that is not the point. Scottish cricket needs days like yesterday, if only that it will be seen in pubs and other places where it never previously was seen.
Our participation will last three games and then the World Cup propar can start. However if the teams like us and Ireland are not encouraged then cricket is in danger of being like Rugby League, basically a sport with a few participants only.
Complain about this postPaul Grunill
I hope you can respond to this post for me. You state that Simon hs spent his professional life following cricket so that he can commentate on it for your organisation. Thats fair enough.
Presumably Simon was also a keen observer during the World Cricket League in Nairobi, and other associate nation ODIs, for him to be feel qualified enough to state:
"But they and the other associate teams need to provide evidence that they are making progress."
If he had really bothered to take in the results from these matches in Kenya he would have seen a highly competitive and enjoyable tournament that produced some high scoring and cool bowling.
Mr Mann may study professional cricket as you say but he is certainly not qualified to critique the associate nations.
Complain about this postSmith not only cam back from dropping ponting to make a half century.
Did anyone else think his stumping of Hussey was superb!
Complain about this postWell done to the Scots for perfoming well. It looked a promising start when Haq hit his first ball for a 4. He also was the pick of the bowlers but the Scots batting was not strong enough with on Smith, Haq & Watts looking good on the field.
Looking forward to an improved performance against South Africa.
The people complaining on this post about the Scots inclusion in the WC shouldn't bother wasting their time by posting nonsense.
Complain about this postI think these games are good from a sport perspective and also from a business perspective. Obviously the more teams we have the greater the potential audience. Just look at football. The football World Cup has 32 countries and most do not stand a chance of ever getting close to the finals......... look at the Trinidad, but their countries loved it nonetheless. How many countries come to the Olympics without ever winning a medal? The more participation we get in cricket the better off we will be. We need to stop acting like an elitist organisation because it is only going to cause our game to die.
Complain about this postTypical of a patronising Big-Nation cricket supporter.
Let's look at the last time Scotland were at the World Cup. The leading British run scorer was a Scot - Gavin Hamilton. Both teams failed to qualify for the latter stages of the tournament. So who were the best side then.
Most of all neither team have wone the World Cup & let's face facts there is as much chance of England winning as there is of their Rugby team winning the World Cup..... Minimal before you ask. You lot can't bat, can't bowl & can't field & your captain is only in the team for that 1 reason. he isn't good enough to hold a place on merit.
Remember the last small silly little nation that just didn't belong to arrive at the World Cup. That's right Sri Lanka. Only Them & the Aussies & have one it the last decade & they just whipped England 5-0.
Hayden was lucky not to be out in the 1st over, Gilchrist likewise - with a bit of luck we could have been in the driving seat. But that's life and the game in Scotland can only improve with our participation & the funding we will get from being here. And our guys ain't a bunch of overpaid primadonna's who put themselves before the team - unlike England. Oh yeah we also have a great coach!!!!! Any other arguments
Complain about this postI'm australian, and I love the fact that these smaller teams are in the world cup.
If these teams win any game against a more established team, it would be great for the game all around. When australia got into the football world cup, and got into the second round, it was fantastic for the game in this country.
Let them in, and if they get better and beat australia, more power to them.
Complain about this postHey Simon,
Didn't mind the game. I think Scotland will take more out of it than Australia. Ponting showed his class as usual. the other guys were just looking for a bit of a smack. Never any doubt who would be the victor. Really looking forward to the SA vs. AUS game. I think AUS will win because I reckon they still scare the %#$ out of anyone they play, and the SA captain should just be quiet sometimes instead of always looking like a 'divy' when they get beaten by the Aussies.
Hope England can do well, and reach some good form before meeting the AUS or SA team in the Semis (I think?) because I have no doubts that these are the teams that will be there at that stage.
Just wondering though... why does everyone hate Australia when it comes to sport? I know they win a lot, and it annoys a lot of people, but without their talent and expertise that they offer the game... cricket would be so boring. Who else but Warne, Gilchrist, Ponting, Waugh twins, Lillee etc could have made the game anywhere near as exciting as it is. I hope the most deserving team wins this World Cup, and that no one will have these sour grapes... If the Aussies win, let's just hope they don't push that guy off the stage again :)
ps... what does everyone think on that silly Gavaskar and his comments? A bit low if you ask me. If anything he is the coward, he is still hurting for watching his coutnry get beaten consistently (being #2) for 25 years and maybe he sould show more respect for another country, and it's deceased cricketing stars... at least the Aussies leave it on the field, this guy can't fight face to face, he is a 'king hitter'!
Complain about this postWhat actually did you expect, Simon Mann? That Australia would roll over before the might of Scotland due to the Aussies' terribly demoralized state? Obviously Scottish team and supporters did, (living in cloud cuckoo land as they must be, since a lot of them actually seem to think that they almost got on top!!!), but I thought you had more brain - it's not rocket science to work out that the top ranked team with the two top ranked batsmen in the world currently are going to defeat a team not in the top ten, and it's hardly news worth writing several columns about.
And "ruthlessly outplayed" ! It looked to me like a fairly average game for the Aussies, but I suppose you have to fill your column somehow. Back to your usual standard next time, please!
Complain about this postWhat about Ireland tieing with Zim. Do you not think that's a fairer comparison to give than v Australia etc?
Most of the Associates here can trouble a Zim no problem.
THAT'S where you can draw any comparison, not versus a team who have dominated the best for a decade or more.
Complain about this postAll well said, and good on Australia and Scotland for playing a hard match. As said so often, in cricket the best team always wins.
Regarding Associate countries, as a citizen of one, Canada, I have to agree that cricket needs to develop more. We have strong interest locally, and lots of good players. The media have started to take more interest.
I'd like to see World Cup 20/20 very soon, as this would level the field.
If you look at where soccer interest in Canada was in 1977 (none-existent) and compare with 2007 ( bigger than hockey among young people), then it is possibl;e to raise the profile. But the power house nations have to show the way and open the game. No more outrageous ticket prices..that is just a killer.
Complain about this postScotland (and the other associate nations) are never going to improve enough to 'justify' their presence at events such as this whilst they continue to be denied ODI and Test Match status. In any sport, you only ever improve by playing against better players. Even Bangladesh have shown improvement over the last few years since they obtained Test status. The Irish have caused a few problems recently. Can you imagine how much they would improve if they were playing regularly against the Australias, South Africas and Englands?? Give the smaller nations a chance... and if they don't take it and improve, THEN think about dropping them back into the second tier of world cricket!
Complain about this postI understand what you mean, when you say that the Associates need to show progress, but I disagree.
The WC constantly chages format, and I think this one is better than the last. They don't play six matches, but three. If they manage to qualify (while indeed the sea freezes over), for the next round, then great. If not, they've had three matches they couldn't buy...
Yes, the matches between Associates and Full Members may be tedious most times, but they only get a chance like this once every four years.
I watched Holland taking on Sri Lanka last July, when SL got the highest number of runs. It was great. But everyone seems to forget that Holland got 248/9 in 50 overs, against a full member at close to full strength... And a 16 year old, making his ODI debut made 47, before falling to a pre-meditated sweep.
I agree the Associates need to improve, and be more consistent, but you have to keep giving them the opportunity. The best way for consistency, is for the system to be consistent as well.
And most of them have full time jobs, please remember... I can't see KP or Ponting smashing a century, having just come from the office. More funding please!
I'm English through and through. But I'm not concerned about how well England do. Go get 'em Holland!
Complain about this postI have changed my mind. These rubbish teams should be sent home immediately. Imagine getting thrashed by some mediocre team with 9 overs to spare.
If were are honest it could have been 15 if they had bothered themselves. At least Scotland had the good grace to be beaten by the best in the World over the last decade..
Just think England are 1 quick wicket away from going home early. Pieterson out early doors and Kenya are in
Complain about this post