Booker Judges Bowl Googlies for Joe
I, too, would like to join Kurt in congratulating Joe on being long-listed for the Booker price and being made the early favourite. American writers may be disempowered domestically but their stock is possibly higher internationally. Certainly this is the case with Philip Roth who, if the Booker Prize were open to Americans, would have won it two, three or four times in the last dozen years.
Meanwhile, and more immediately, there are two fantastic Test matches in play at the moment. In Sri Lanka there is a finely balanced match in which the hosts may defeat India thanks to a new bewitching 'mystery spinner' called Mendis. And in Birmingham England and South Africa are engaged in the tightest of struggles.
Editor's Note: This is a googly.
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This is why 20/20 and 50 overs are the lesser forms. Still in their own manners and by their own conventions they are great forms, and 20/20 especially can be an incredibly exciting and vibrant form. But the epic nature of Test Cricket is what brings the game's soul to life, and brings life itself to life. Collingwood's innings, Flintoff's comeback, England kicking against doom. This is what makes the game great.
I wonder if Joseph will write more on the game in his spare time now. I would love to read his match reports or profiles of players and their techniques and style and manners or just general thoughts and comments at this interesting and volatile moment for the game.
Will, aren't there some other books about cricket that you might recommend for American readers? I have a feeling some of them would really appreciate Beyond a Boundary by CLR James.
August 1, 2008 4:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Paul not to forget what I believe is the epicest inning of them all. Hanif Mohammed's 337 in the 1st Test for Pakistan against West Indies in 1958. It is one of those rare away triples. Brian Lara's two triples are both at home. There have been some great away triples, Mark Taylor (Aus. in Pakistan), Sehwag (Ind. in Pakistan). But Hanif's is surely hte greatest of them all, scored when the match was all but over for Pakistan.
August 1, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks thurgood, great memories. I was just referring to the matches that Will mentioned taking place right now. Collingwood's innings today at Edgbaston in the face of an incredibly visceral amount of criticism for his recent poor form, to get 101 was just an example of the many dramas and performances run as a sub-plot, that can create the great texture and narrative of test match cricket.
Hans is a romantic about the game like this. About technique, and style. But when he cuts loose and adapts his game to the American conditions, when he skies the ball, he gains a sense of freedom and possibility. It does not negate the subtlety and idealism of his game and his view of the game, however. But in the moments of play, he is liberated somehow.
The 20/20 boom is going to engender all of the issues that Hans confronts.
The ironic thing is that Chuck Ramkissoon's vision of a proper cricket ground in New York could very well be viable today with this boom of money, exposure, glamour and competition engendered by the 20/20 big bang. For exhibition and competitive matches. With the IPL, New York's cricket diaspora, and Stanford's millions, satellite sports channels, the billions in the advertising and sponsorship markets in India, and who knows, a post O'Neill metropolitan American interest in the game.
Somebody should send Alan Stanford a copy of Netherland. I can't read or watch an interview with him without thinking of Chuck. How Chuck would have loved this 20/20 explosion. How Chuck would have loved Stanford.
August 1, 2008 7:17 PM | Reply | Permalink