Cricket is Australia's most popular sport
Things have been a little intense lately so I'll try lightening things up with a fluff piece about cricket becoming Australia's favourite sport. Apparently swimming has been the country's #1 sport since 1971 (which surprised me). But since our world beating swim team have either retired or forgotten how to swim fast, they've dropped off the public radar relatively speaking. Meanwhile, our cricket team is winning tournaments and even when they lose, it merely serves to increase public interest as everyone wonders what the hell happened.
Personally, I'm a little mystified at swimming's popularity. The prospect of guys in budgie smugglers and broad shouldered girls going backwards and forwards in a pool doesn't really grip me. Sure, I'll watch Thorpie in an Olympic final but I find it a bit much when every swim meet in Australia is broadcast on primetime TV. Channel 9 couldn't even be bothered to bid for the TV rights to the 2005 Ashes (brilliant move there, Eddie). Of course, Australia have just lost a few superstars in Warnie and McGrath. Will this mean a wane in cricket's popularity, to be overtaken by lawn bowls or netball? What I hope will eventuate is Australia will be challenged and we'll be treated to gripping contests once again. Well, tightly competed right to the finish but Australia winning every time at the last moment, of course!
| Posted by JC on Wed 16 May |  31 comments |
Haha, thats funny what you just said:
"The prospect of guys in budgie smugglers and broad shouldered girls going backwards and forwards in a pool doesn't really grip me"
..sounds just like what some of my friends say when I start gushing about a test match.
"Dude, do you really expect me to spend 5 days watching some guys running up and down the same strip of grass in over-sized shin guards while the rest of them stand around scratching their balls?"
Oh.. HELL YES!! :)
p.s. I think you almost coined a new phrase there for the loss of interest in Aussie cricket (if that happens of course): the "Warne Wane".
Lets hope the "Warne Wane" never happens!
Posted by Timbo on 2007-05-16 16:55:43
"The prospect of guys in budgie smugglers and broad shouldered girls going backwards and forwards in a pool doesn't really grip me"
..sounds just like what some of my friends say when I start gushing about a test match.
"Dude, do you really expect me to spend 5 days watching some guys running up and down the same strip of grass in over-sized shin guards while the rest of them stand around scratching their balls?"
Oh.. HELL YES!! :)
p.s. I think you almost coined a new phrase there for the loss of interest in Aussie cricket (if that happens of course): the "Warne Wane".
Lets hope the "Warne Wane" never happens!
Posted by Timbo on 2007-05-16 16:55:43
I am always a bit surprised by swimming's popularity. As someone who plans our marketing, I was a little surprised by the amount of money a swimmer wants for product endorsement. Personally I never found them that credible or valueable.
I can never understand why someone finds it interesting to watch someone swim up and down. There is little or no strategy, (that is obvious to the viewer) and you can't even see their faces, so you don't even know when they are swimming hard.
I would be interested to know the demographics of the swimming's viewer, (more female than male?).
As for cricket I think Australia will be challenged a little but the interesting thing for me will be the development of new talent, especially the bowlers both spin and fast.
But I do hope for more tight finishes, with Australia blitzing the opposition at the end. Adelaide and Perth were good test matches for that reason.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-16 17:03:17
I can never understand why someone finds it interesting to watch someone swim up and down. There is little or no strategy, (that is obvious to the viewer) and you can't even see their faces, so you don't even know when they are swimming hard.
I would be interested to know the demographics of the swimming's viewer, (more female than male?).
As for cricket I think Australia will be challenged a little but the interesting thing for me will be the development of new talent, especially the bowlers both spin and fast.
But I do hope for more tight finishes, with Australia blitzing the opposition at the end. Adelaide and Perth were good test matches for that reason.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-16 17:03:17
What I appreciate about cricket is the deep level of subtlety and sophistication. There's a lot more than 2 guys running back and forth down the pitch. Watching Warnie bowl a 6 ball over where he positions the balls in deliberate spots to set the batsmen up for a dismissal. Seeing different batsmen play the exact same ball in completely different ways, showing difference in temperament and technique (or a squash ball in the glove). The mental tests, particularly over a 5 day Test match. You could write a PhD thesis on swing bowling and still barely scratch the surface (or cover the surface with mint flavoured saliva).
In swimming, all you hear them talk about is nailing the turns and sticking to their game (which is presumably to swim faster than the other competitors).
Posted by JC on 2007-05-16 17:26:47
In swimming, all you hear them talk about is nailing the turns and sticking to their game (which is presumably to swim faster than the other competitors).
Posted by JC on 2007-05-16 17:26:47
Exactly JC, I am still trying to demonstrate that to my wife..... Its a life long goal...
While I have no doubt there is alot of technique and physics in swimming, (full body suits and swimming technique) its hardly something a regular person can see or appreciate. While the average person can see if a bowler has the edge over the batsman or vice versa. Especially in the age of Hawkeye and slow motion replays.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-16 18:45:23
While I have no doubt there is alot of technique and physics in swimming, (full body suits and swimming technique) its hardly something a regular person can see or appreciate. While the average person can see if a bowler has the edge over the batsman or vice versa. Especially in the age of Hawkeye and slow motion replays.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-16 18:45:23
An interesting article JC. Interesting to note that Ponting is the most marketable personality. Despite all the Ponting-bashers out there. Yes, you all know who you are!!
After 33 years of marriage
(to the same woman), and I know you get less for murder these days, I've given up trying to teach her the subleties and intricacies of Test cricket. And besides, she has learned new skills herself, like lawn-mowing, car repair and maintenance etc etc.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-05-16 21:44:14
After 33 years of marriage
(to the same woman), and I know you get less for murder these days, I've given up trying to teach her the subleties and intricacies of Test cricket. And besides, she has learned new skills herself, like lawn-mowing, car repair and maintenance etc etc.
Posted by Dan Tas on 2007-05-16 21:44:14
I gave up on converting Wendy to cricket ages ago - in fact, my capitulation coincided with the starting of this cricket blog so I could find other like minded fanatics to share the game with.
She prefers the guys in the budgie smugglers.
Posted by JC on 2007-05-16 22:36:39
She prefers the guys in the budgie smugglers.
Posted by JC on 2007-05-16 22:36:39
Most women would prefer guys in budgie smugglers, JC!
Interesting to note that among the five cricketers that are on the top ten list of marketable personality, that Warne does not feature. Can't use the excuse that he's retired either, as Steve Waugh and McGrath are also in the top ten, in addition to Ponting, Gilchrist and Lee.
Posted by stumps on 2007-05-17 09:09:46
Interesting to note that among the five cricketers that are on the top ten list of marketable personality, that Warne does not feature. Can't use the excuse that he's retired either, as Steve Waugh and McGrath are also in the top ten, in addition to Ponting, Gilchrist and Lee.
Posted by stumps on 2007-05-17 09:09:46
I think Warne's credibility is a bit suspect, what with the phone scandals, the inflatable doll scandal, the smoking scandal, the multiple English flings, the gambling scandals, the... shall I go on? The only advertisers he seems to attract are hair products and mobile phone companies - exploiting his weaknesses as advertising opportunities. I wouldn't be surprised to see him the front man for an inflatable doll company next.
Posted by JC on 2007-05-17 10:01:01
Posted by JC on 2007-05-17 10:01:01
Yea I am not surprised about Warne. I am guessing he rates badly with women, so once you take out half the population, there is not much left.
I am glad to say that at least my wife dislikes the guys in the Budgie smugglers. She prefers AFL/Soccer at least. Just got to work on her for cricket.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-17 11:42:56
I am glad to say that at least my wife dislikes the guys in the Budgie smugglers. She prefers AFL/Soccer at least. Just got to work on her for cricket.
Posted by Andrew on 2007-05-17 11:42:56
I don't get swimming either - I find the thought of watching 1500m swimming incredible boring.
I think swimming popular because (1) footie is split into a few different codes and (2) Aussie like winners and the swimmign eam has been really successful - it gets us the most medals in Olympics.
Now after last summer's effort the Aus cricket team has that winning feeling. It's all the more memorable after that last Ashes loss too.
Posted by MT on 2007-05-17 13:35:58
I think swimming popular because (1) footie is split into a few different codes and (2) Aussie like winners and the swimmign eam has been really successful - it gets us the most medals in Olympics.
Now after last summer's effort the Aus cricket team has that winning feeling. It's all the more memorable after that last Ashes loss too.
Posted by MT on 2007-05-17 13:35:58
As we now kick back, it just goes to show you, being married, losing the old thatched roof and coming from Tazzie doesn't necessarily hold you back (in the case of Ponting, anyway)!
p.s. JC, do I put one of those faces now? "-\... err... :#) that's it, right?
Posted by Virtualgaz on 2007-05-17 19:11:35
p.s. JC, do I put one of those faces now? "-\... err... :#) that's it, right?
Posted by Virtualgaz on 2007-05-17 19:11:35
Cricket is popular. but i think still behind swimming,Aussie rules foot ball,rugby.
Posted by Glenn Jones from perth on 2007-05-28 21:17:22
Posted by Glenn Jones from perth on 2007-05-28 21:17:22
I don't think cricket is too popular with today's youth.Soccer is far more easy to understand and you get a result in an hour and a half.But for me cricket is THE only sport which combines brain and brawn.While playing a ball you have to asses the speed and bounce,decide whether you have to defend or attack,how to do it,what is the level of risk you have to take and then place it accordingly using your muscle power to hit the ball to the to the fence-all this within 1/2 a second!Also as JC pointed out,to see a McGrath or Warne setup the batsmen with the first 5 balls of an over and make a subtle change to the sixth and nailing him is something to behold.That is what makes cricket a joy to watch and play.Whereas in only physical sports like soccer and rugby strategy is fairly minimal and bigger and stronger players mostly make the cut,especially at school and college levels.But being an ardent cricket fan I feel sad at the state of the game today.Most of India's urban kids are seen dabbling a nike football these days.The Sachins and Souravs have come off the walls in favour of Kaka,Rooney and the like.Some major repair is in order for the game as a whole after the worst advertisement cricket has ever got-World Cup 2007.
The ICC has tried to make the game popular with 20-20,but I personally think 20-20 is a load of garbage being so lopsided against the bowlers.Also cricket too will become a power sport whith only people who can slam-bang replacing skilled artists.
Can you guys suggest some ways to make the game more popular again,especially among affiliate and non-associated nations?
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-05-30 02:53:42
The ICC has tried to make the game popular with 20-20,but I personally think 20-20 is a load of garbage being so lopsided against the bowlers.Also cricket too will become a power sport whith only people who can slam-bang replacing skilled artists.
Can you guys suggest some ways to make the game more popular again,especially among affiliate and non-associated nations?
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2007-05-30 02:53:42
Problem is what makes cricket so good is also what makes it inaccessible. It's the subtleties and the mind games that are the pure joy for cricket tragics. Games like Twenty20 that attempt to appeal to the masses also lose the element of cricket which make it so special and unique.
That's not to denigrate Twenty20. I think it plays a big role in attracting people to cricket where hopefully they'll then learn to appreciate Test cricket. And I still enjoy a Twenty20 game - if its a good competitive match, it's better than no cricket.
Posted by JC on 2007-05-30 14:24:25
That's not to denigrate Twenty20. I think it plays a big role in attracting people to cricket where hopefully they'll then learn to appreciate Test cricket. And I still enjoy a Twenty20 game - if its a good competitive match, it's better than no cricket.
Posted by JC on 2007-05-30 14:24:25
Seriously i hate cricket and timbo is rite all tht they do is scratch there balls, discusting, i wish that cricket never started
Posted by unknown on 2007-06-07 20:20:13
Posted by unknown on 2007-06-07 20:20:13
Hi JC: long time no contact. I think swimming as a spectator sport is popular in Australia for the simple reason that Aussies are bloody good at it. People watch to watch their team win. "Our Thorpedo" indeed!
Cheers,
Samir
Posted by Samir Chopra on 2007-06-21 21:02:23
Cheers,
Samir
Posted by Samir Chopra on 2007-06-21 21:02:23
I am from Sri Lanka. Here we are mad about this sport cricket and i really can't understand why some people hate this sport.I usually hear these from some people "cricket is boring because it takes days (test match) while rugby or football would be only for 1:20-1:30 minutes". If you are really interested you won't say this. For us to watch Murali's or Warne's bowl, 5 days are not enough. What do you say about "Ashes", sport is proud to have such an event and it is a treat for many people.
Posted by Shamil on 2007-07-25 01:48:17
Posted by Shamil on 2007-07-25 01:48:17
is it true that cricket is the most popular sport in Australia.... if it is i just need to know coz i am doing a project bout Auzi and it mite take time.... plz contact me bak on msn .... kisses-xox@msn.com
Posted by Steffy on 2007-08-07 22:16:38
Posted by Steffy on 2007-08-07 22:16:38
I really doubt cricket is the most popular sport in australia. If you looked at growth rates, cricket is no where near AFL and Rugby. Besides, in domestic competetion Cricket is unsuccessful. I hope twenty twenty will bring fresh interet. The World T20 in South Africa was such a massive success that I feel Cricket is soon going to be the number 2 sport in the world. Its kind of like how Football (soccer) was in the 70s and 80s right now.
Cheers.
Posted by Idiotique on 2007-10-12 15:23:37
Cheers.
Posted by Idiotique on 2007-10-12 15:23:37
Cricket may not have the growth rates of the footy codes, that's because Cricket already has a much bigger audience as our number 1 national male sport.
The Vic's go on about gayfl and legendary NSWelshmen go on about rugby, but come summertime there's only one sport that we're all watching.
As for swimming, I couldn't say I know someone who's actually been to a meet. Sure I'll watch the thorpedo in the Olympics, but that's about it. I could name heaps of people who've both been to the cricket and watched a game live.
I'm suprised that Netball isn't further up there actually, it has the most registered players and a huge teenage audience.. they just never seem to get their marketing right and the players are all still amateur.
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-12 16:02:00
The Vic's go on about gayfl and legendary NSWelshmen go on about rugby, but come summertime there's only one sport that we're all watching.
As for swimming, I couldn't say I know someone who's actually been to a meet. Sure I'll watch the thorpedo in the Olympics, but that's about it. I could name heaps of people who've both been to the cricket and watched a game live.
I'm suprised that Netball isn't further up there actually, it has the most registered players and a huge teenage audience.. they just never seem to get their marketing right and the players are all still amateur.
Posted by Moses on 2007-10-12 16:02:00
I'm not Aussie, but I have some AFL loving friends out here. I heard one reason was theres more money domestically in other sports due to larger audiences and more matches played in australia..Like the AFL Grand Finals which are absolutely cock a hoop like the Superbowl. Apparently, in the last first-class match played by the Waugh Twins for the Blues, approximately 150 pensioners were in attendence.
Posted by Idiotique on 2007-10-12 18:24:09
Posted by Idiotique on 2007-10-12 18:24:09
hey!iam not frm australia but i think cricket is the most viewed after soccer which have more no.of fan following but i seriously nothing can beat cricket bcoz cricket is the onesport in which u will have to use ur brain and muscles.so we all saw how t20 was hugely successful in s.africa and this version can increase cricket's popularity and revenue.i think india is the one country in world where cricket is the only sport followed in the indian-subcontinent and i think in australia they should have to incourage the youth to actively take part in cricket,i hope cricket will grow dramatically in all aspects as soccer and i also that australia do something to bring more young blood in the team rather than bringin players who are aged between 27-30 its really disheartening........i only hope in the future that cricket can be an actively followed game in the world and lets hope and pray cricket can only improve in every aspects..like money,fame,popularity and worldly recognisition of players like in soccer
Posted by haseeb on 2007-10-28 04:45:28
Posted by haseeb on 2007-10-28 04:45:28
Hello, I am from india and most of you will be surprised to know that our 1 billion population is crazy about only one game that is cricket. It is followed by almost everybody in this country. If our team start losing you can hear the voice even in the parliament. Thats the kind of craze associated with cricket in our country of course we follow all games like hockey,football,F1 etc but nothing can replace cricket here if you want to know more about the popularity of this game in our country. Ask any indian in your country or watch cricket matches whenever australian cricket team visits india. I am really surprised to know that cricket is not number 1 sport in your country becoz you have the best team in this world! Anyways everybody is gladly waiting for the india-australia series starting from 26th dec 2007. Lets hope we will see a good contest.
Posted by Jatinder on 2007-12-14 00:55:38
Posted by Jatinder on 2007-12-14 00:55:38
Good luck to all those who enjoy cricket. For me i see it as a waste of time, i'd rather be fishing, playing golf, swimming, playing soccer with the kids or flying kites.
I'll throw down a delivery or two in the nets, thats it.
My hours and hours and hours are better spent elsewhere.
Posted by Alastair on 2007-12-18 22:08:23
I'll throw down a delivery or two in the nets, thats it.
My hours and hours and hours are better spent elsewhere.
Posted by Alastair on 2007-12-18 22:08:23
Well, good of you to stop by cricket-blog and let us know how you feel :-)
Posted by JC on 2007-12-18 22:53:47
Posted by JC on 2007-12-18 22:53:47
Well its a pity that people like Alastair thinks that this game is a waste of time becoz for the people of my country its a field of dreams. I think you australians are very talented people who could produce such a great without too much love for the game! Anyways its you opinion but please dont say that its a waste of time. Ask any first class cricket player in australia he will tell you what it takes to play for his country! If he says that its waste of time then its definitely waste of time.
Posted by Jatinder on 2007-12-19 00:15:18
Posted by Jatinder on 2007-12-19 00:15:18
i'm from india...and i don't like cricket that much...for all cricket fans out there i just want to say that this game is not globally followed and is limited only in few commonwealth countries....there is a lack of competition...we get to see the same countries playing against each other...without global appeal..without global rivalry...its like man without heart...car without driver....
Posted by o henry mattiah on 2008-01-17 06:40:37
Posted by o henry mattiah on 2008-01-17 06:40:37
Ginger is a spice that only H sapiens appreciate
Posted by Khatta Meetha on 2008-01-17 07:07:33
Posted by Khatta Meetha on 2008-01-17 07:07:33
It was nice to read different nationalities comment on Cricket. Most interesting was comments from Indians. They point out Cricket is madly followed in INDIA. Is it true? I say it is not true. In India Cricket is not followed crazily, but it is only Team India's Cricket is closely watched. Reasons:
1) Indians have not excelled in any other field match in the recent past as in Cricket. (Hockey is past as India is no more ruling there)
Why India fares well in Cricket? Very simple, only 8 or 10 countries seriously take Cricket as a sport item. And in this apart from subconinental countries, rest all have a multi-sporting culture (Aus, Eng, SA....) When more countries come and start taking on India and if our Cricket rating go down to 100 (if hundred countries ever play!!) then we will also leave cricket as a it is seen today.
2) You dont find any spectators in stand or in front of TV when domestic games go on (with the same stars like Tendulkar, Dravid, and like wise are playing).
This points out the fact that Cricket is not loved as a game in India, but it is loved as a matter or national pride or disastor!
3) Most Indians know this fact, but hardly admit it. They consider what they have is the BEST in the World.
4) Now one Indian friend is amazed at the fact that in Aussies Cric is not the most popular sport. This person have the same feeling that what is happening in India is happening else where.
5) One person is seeking for methods to popularize Cricket. My dear friend, ICC tried all its luck and finaly resorted to T20 as it could be the only means to attract people. Let us not forget the fact Cricket is one of the oldest sports in the world and still it cant catch on. It was a shameful comment from Bermuda WC team to say " we came to carribean WC as a pastime!!" what a shame to a sport to get a comment like that from a member nation with all beer bellies running up and down the grass.
Answer for that gentle man is simple, follow the Indian way. Indian way was as follows:
There was a time in India, when TV was not popular. When TV came to Indian urban and rural areas, except in metroes there were no Cable Channels. So TV and TV programs were a huge rage at that time. Only chanel available was Doordarsan (national channel). People had no choice and at the same time they were hooked to TV too.
There comes Indian Cricket board and National chanel together with Cricket and a plan to loot money from advertisements.There comes the PRIMETIME telecasting of Cricket. A generation that had no option for any other chanel were made to sit infront of TV (TV for its charm as a new media)to watch Cricket in the PRime time. Most important thing was India played arch-rival Pakistan and it was a big booster for the game, and over all to see India in a world stage in TV was most fascinating. This created a s tir and mass started to learn the game and following the game. Remember before the TV game was there played by elite classes in India and hardly anybody noticing it. Also try to see the commoness with the huge success of TV serials like Mahabarath and Ramayana aired during the inception period of TV, as people had no choice to switch chanels. Current day religious serials are not getting that much following, and current day young generation are moving more to F1, Golf,soccer and all other sports because they have all the ESPN and Star TV to cater to their choices.
So find few countries still with out choice for TV and broad cast Cricekt involving some archrivals or big names on prime time, no matter what, you can make that country a national cricket craze country in less than 10 years. A sure bet.
Posted by Shaju on 2008-01-20 23:08:02
1) Indians have not excelled in any other field match in the recent past as in Cricket. (Hockey is past as India is no more ruling there)
Why India fares well in Cricket? Very simple, only 8 or 10 countries seriously take Cricket as a sport item. And in this apart from subconinental countries, rest all have a multi-sporting culture (Aus, Eng, SA....) When more countries come and start taking on India and if our Cricket rating go down to 100 (if hundred countries ever play!!) then we will also leave cricket as a it is seen today.
2) You dont find any spectators in stand or in front of TV when domestic games go on (with the same stars like Tendulkar, Dravid, and like wise are playing).
This points out the fact that Cricket is not loved as a game in India, but it is loved as a matter or national pride or disastor!
3) Most Indians know this fact, but hardly admit it. They consider what they have is the BEST in the World.
4) Now one Indian friend is amazed at the fact that in Aussies Cric is not the most popular sport. This person have the same feeling that what is happening in India is happening else where.
5) One person is seeking for methods to popularize Cricket. My dear friend, ICC tried all its luck and finaly resorted to T20 as it could be the only means to attract people. Let us not forget the fact Cricket is one of the oldest sports in the world and still it cant catch on. It was a shameful comment from Bermuda WC team to say " we came to carribean WC as a pastime!!" what a shame to a sport to get a comment like that from a member nation with all beer bellies running up and down the grass.
Answer for that gentle man is simple, follow the Indian way. Indian way was as follows:
There was a time in India, when TV was not popular. When TV came to Indian urban and rural areas, except in metroes there were no Cable Channels. So TV and TV programs were a huge rage at that time. Only chanel available was Doordarsan (national channel). People had no choice and at the same time they were hooked to TV too.
There comes Indian Cricket board and National chanel together with Cricket and a plan to loot money from advertisements.There comes the PRIMETIME telecasting of Cricket. A generation that had no option for any other chanel were made to sit infront of TV (TV for its charm as a new media)to watch Cricket in the PRime time. Most important thing was India played arch-rival Pakistan and it was a big booster for the game, and over all to see India in a world stage in TV was most fascinating. This created a s tir and mass started to learn the game and following the game. Remember before the TV game was there played by elite classes in India and hardly anybody noticing it. Also try to see the commoness with the huge success of TV serials like Mahabarath and Ramayana aired during the inception period of TV, as people had no choice to switch chanels. Current day religious serials are not getting that much following, and current day young generation are moving more to F1, Golf,soccer and all other sports because they have all the ESPN and Star TV to cater to their choices.
So find few countries still with out choice for TV and broad cast Cricekt involving some archrivals or big names on prime time, no matter what, you can make that country a national cricket craze country in less than 10 years. A sure bet.
Posted by Shaju on 2008-01-20 23:08:02
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