As you may be aware, SA Cricket Blog, has a Twitter account: @sacricketblog, I love being on Twitter, especially during cricket games as it gives me a chance to chat and discuss events as they happen, and get the opinions of other people. Being on Twitter also gives you access to some of the past and current players as well as professional journalists.
I was recently asked two questions via Twitter. The first one was from @blindcripple, he asked: “Why is it we’re limited to overs on the final day with only one wicket left? I thought if light was okay, we could keep going?” link to original tweet. @Blindcripple was referring to the final days play at SuperSport Park Centurion when South Africa required just one more wicket to win the test match.
So I looked up the laws governing test cricket, and this is what I found:
Law 16.2 Extra Time
The umpires may decide to play 30 minutes (a minimum of eight overs) extra time at the end of any day (other than the last day) if requested by either captain if, in the umpires opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day [this is in addition to the additional time provided for in Clause 16.1.3 above]. If the umpires do not believe a result can be achieved no extra time shall be allowed.
Hope that answers your question @blindcripple.
The second question came from @gabyrosario, she asked: “Re: anti corruption in cricket, how does the ICC protect players. Exactly? Looked online ACSU not telling me anything.” link to original tweet.
I personally don’t think that it’s up to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to protect players from corruption. I’m of the opinion that every international cricket player is a professional sportsman who knows right from wrong. It’s up to the individual to decide weather they want to break the laws. It’s quite simple to me, if someone is offering you money for information or to alter the result of a game then you’re breaking the laws.
I did however find a link on the ICC’s website that offers more information on what the ICC are doing to fight corruption in cricket. Link to ICC Anti Corruption initiative
Hope you get further information from that link @gabyrosario
Looking forward to answering your questions posted either on the blog, via twitter or email.
Thanks Shaun! Good write up…
With regard to ICC and corruption: There’s only so much that can be done. Since the hectic match fixing allegations during the late nineties and early naughties, the ICC has stopped things like team mates sharing the same hotel room and things along those lines. Plus hectic bans (Think Azhar & Cronje).
I’m actually feeling a little embarrassed for not realising the Law about the limited overs. (Qualified ump)… But I’m not sure I like it… It has both good and bad points… Bleh. Maybe I’m just bitter. Twice.
Posted by BlindCripple | 09. Jan, 2010, 5:26 pmThe reason I asked was because it was raised around the family dinner table that at the end of the Hansie movie it stipulated that measures were being taken by the ICC to protect players agains…the bookies I guess. We debated what these measures could be. In true Gaby style I went to do my homework and only found one official (ICC) guideline which was that players weren’t allowed phones in the change rooms. I would have thought that whatever efforts the officials COULD take would be published? But I see its the role of the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit to investigate, educate and prevent. Thanks Shaun!
Posted by Gaby | 09. Jan, 2010, 9:51 pm