Kieswetter yet another South African representing England

Cricket


Craig Kieswetter recently became the latest South African-born cricketer to propel himself into the current England squad. The wicketkeeper-batsman, 22, only became fully qualified to represent his country four days prior to his call-up, with England wasting no time in securing their man after Graeme Smith had made a last-ditch attempt to lure him back to his native country.

Although originally not included in the full international squad to take on Bangladesh, Kieswetter’s form of 279 runs in five Twenty20 innings (including a match-winning 81 against the senior side) for the Lions made him impossible to overlook. The decision to promote him was proved to be the right one as the Somerset opener then hit a destructive 143 on full debut, signalling his intentions to become a permanent fixture in the England side.

As exciting a prospect Kieswetter is however, national selector Geoff Miller made a bold move in selecting yet another player in the England fold with South African ties. No one could doubt he deserved his chance after his sensational recent form, but this now leaves England with three South Africans who have used county cricket to qualify to play for the national side (the other two being Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott). Matt Prior and the currently rested Andrew Strauss were also born in the country.

Miller was asked about the prospect of more South Africans representing England and admitted the selectors had to be “very careful” over more players like Kieswetter breaking into the side and that they needed to “monitor” the situation. Following these comments one can assume the ECB has voiced concerns over the issue, after all Miller’s position is judged upon player performances and will continue to pick what he considers to be the best eleven players available to represent the country, regardless of their background.

It is hard to contemplate that no more South Africans will qualify, and subsequently produce form worthy of representing England. The next player to fit into that category could be Michael Lumb. Like Kieswetter, Lumb came to country cricket with an English passport after representing South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup. Also on the current Lions tour, Lumb has come into his own, scoring runs for fun at an alarming rate.

With a sense of apprehension within the ECB on the inclusion of more South Africans in the England set-up, the issue finds itself in a precarious position, Kieswetter having every right to be selected for his adopted country under the current eligibility requirements.

Even though there will be many quick to question the credibility of selections such as these, England’s failure to embrace players in the future who have qualified for the country in a similar vein would be discriminatory.

One would hope the ECB’s uneasy stance on the number of South Africans representing England does not force the likes of Lumb to be overlooked for selection merely to comply with a behind the scenes quota they may seek to meet. Credibility would then be lost completely.

The end of one-day cricket?

Cricket


Shane Warne has finally called for what many people connected with cricket have been thinking for a long time, a cutback in the amount of one-day international cricket. Since the introduction of Twenty20 cricket in 2003, interest has dwindled year on year in the 50-over form of the game. Warne believes the removal of one-day cricket entirely from the international cricket calendar except for the World Cup, held every four years, would benefit the future of the international game.

His criticism of the ICC’s continued support of the 50-over format comes on the back of Andrew Strauss’s omission from England’s upcoming test series in Bangladesh for reasons of fatigue. Whether people believe the captain should be present or not under the circumstances, Strauss would surely have made the tour if the ICC had got their act together before now.

Given there is much more interest in the Twenty20 format of the game, it seems baffling that England have 15 home limited-over internationals scheduled for this summer, only 2 of them being Twenty20 matches. Even the County Ground in Bristol will struggle to be at capacity on the morning of the 10th July to see the 50-over encounter between England and Bangladesh.

The ongoing presence of the needless ICC Champions Trophy – a competition that would be significant but isn’t because the World Cup is more important (a classic comparison would be the Champions League and Europa League in football) – every two years, is a further example of unnecessarily hindering international schedules.

It is incontestable that 50-over international cricket is in a sorry state. The ICC have tinkered with rules such as the introduction of substitutes and different stages of ‘powerplay’ but now have to accept that although arguably less technical and a more individualist rather than team performance needed for success, Twenty20 cricket is what people want to, and have time to watch.

The removal of one-day international cricket, although hard to contemplate due to the ICC’s stubborn view of the format, would have serious implications on the domestic scene. The ECB have already scrapped the national 50-over and ‘Pro40’ competitions for the 2010 season, introducing a revamped 40-over competition while also expanding the Twenty20 competition to incorporate more fixtures. The two-division 4-day county championship remains untouched.

With the inevitability of one-day international cricket dying out as people will increasingly make their thoughts heard with their attendance, I see the future simply lying with two competitions, in Twenty20 and 4-day format. Although 4-day county cricket, at least in terms of gates, is dead in England, it is a vital stepping stone for players to enter the currently thriving test match arena, still considered to be the ultimate cricketing format, the Ashes an event which is treasured in this country.

With Twenty20 now proven to be the most marketable format of cricket, shown by the surge of interest in the competition between newly developed franchises, the ICC need to react and take note of what the public want before losing all credibility and the future of competition internationally.

David Haye - Worthy Champion, Poor Division

Boxing


The public were shocked when the seven-foot tall, “Beast from the East”, Nikolay Valuev was beaten on points by British challenger, David “The Hayemaker” Haye, but it was no surprise to the boxing experts. Bookmakers had predicted Haye would become the WBA World Heavyweight Champion in Nuremberg earlier this month. The fight overall was not the greatest of spectacles. Both boxers plotted a tactical approach, with little action for the mainstay. In the final rounds Haye picked up the tempo; his more offensive approach helping to seal the fight. Haye’s tactics were spot on, doing did just enough to clinch the bout on points but conserving his energy to attack Valuev at the optimum moment.

Whilst levelling no criticism at Haye for his conduct throughout the fight, it is disheartening that Valuev, although a hugely imposing individual offered no real vigour in return. As he had done in recent title defences, most recently against the then 46-year-old and off-the-top Evander Holyfield (a fight many believe should have been awarded to Holyfield unanimously on points), he adopted his one-dimensional ‘hunt and jab’ game. Haye’s constant movement countered this, not letting Valuev get into a rhythm nor a position to edge rounds.

In contrast to those who had tried and failed before him, with the exception of Ruslan Chagaev in 2007, Haye was patient and disciplined, answering Valuev’s lack of technical ability with hard, well-placed punches. Ensuring he scored points throughout the rounds, he capitalised on Valuev’s desperation in having to ‘go for it’ in the last couple of rounds. The risks the Russian took left him exposed as Haye actions resembled his usual game, scoring devastating combinations.

Haye had no reason to fear his opponent. Valuev had no victory by knock out in his last six fights; his lacklustre, basic style giving Haye the initiative and enabling him to manipulate the fight. For someone who had generally dominated the WBA Heavyweight division for four years, this gave an insight into the poor standard of recent times. In truth, although Valuev was indeed a ‘World Champion’, the WBA has been by far the weakest out of the four major sanctioning bodies since Lennox Lewis held the title in 1999.

This was the view of Frank Warren after Haye’s victory. He classed Valuev as one of the “poorest heavyweights” he had “ever seen”. “Everybody gets carried away. Just because he is a giant of a man doesn't mean he is a good fighter.”

It will be a different story against either of the Klitschko brothers. Haye will be forced to prove he is a great fighter. Vitali and Wladimir occupy the WBC, IBF and WBO titles between them and their records show they are the best fighters in the Heavyweight field.

Haye’s next fight will be a mandatory defence against John Ruiz who has lost to Valuev on the two occasions they have met. I certainly wouldn’t bet against a knock out victory for Haye, who has already made his intentions clear by claiming he will knock the “spark” out of Ruiz.

If he is triumphant, the boxing world will be calling for a Klitschko – Haye super fight destined to be a hugely lucrative and exciting option for both parties, and, arguably, the biggest fight in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis’s last victory of this career, over Vitali, back in 2003. Probably scheduled for late 2010, a win over a Klitschko (most likely Vitali) would see Haye face the other brother, with Wladimir (considered by ‘Ring Magazine’ to be the more accomplished of the two brothers), still lying in wait.

Another potential opponent that could not be ruled out is Bernard Hopkins, who needs little introduction. ‘The Executioner’ has claimed he will “be heavyweight champion in 2010” after returning to the ring after a 13-month absence, winning unanimously on points against Enrique Ornelas. This would arguably be considered as a more attractive fight in the US than if Haye took to the ring with a Klitschko.

Something on Haye’s side is his charisma, sure to boost pay-per-view sales. While Valuev gave Haye respect before their contest in Germany, Haye gave his opponent countless provocative comments such as “zombie”, “ugly” and a “freak show”. Richard Schaefer, chief executive of the illustrious ‘Golden Boy’ promotions said Haye’s victory marked a “new time in the sport” and he praised Haye’s personality, saying he has talent and skills inside the ring but can transcend those with his charisma outside.

At just 29 years of age, Haye may find himself in an era where he can go on to dominate the weight class, in the same vein as Joe Calzaghe in the super middleweight division. With the lack of ‘world-class’ competition, except for the Klitschkos, 38 and 33 respectively, in two years Haye could potentially have ensured his place as the leading force in the heavyweight division, and could be top of the pile for as long as he wants to be. Deep down, Haye must realise what a step up a Klitschko contest would be. Although he had his game-plan, executed with aplomb on this occasion, it will require much, much more to gain a heavyweight crown in one of the other organisations.

What Haye has achieved cannot be taken away from him being only the second professional boxer to have made the transition from the cruiser to heavyweight division and to win world championships in both, the first being Evander Holyfield. Despite his status as an all-time-great in the heavyweight division secured, Haye must realise that it is only the tip of the iceberg for him. He may have the right to say he is a ‘world champion’ but it is elsewhere in the division where the strength really lies.

Business-like mentality to the detriment of football?

Football


Football fans all over the country may have been shocked at the conviction of Wigan striker Marlon King last month but it was the words of Chairman, Dave Whelan about his former employee that lead to more interesting issues within the sport.

Just an hour after receiving the news that the Jamaican international had been sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexual assault and actual bodily harm, Whelan made it clear that King would “never pull on the shirt of Wigan Athletic again” and that the club would be in the “process of severing his contract”.

However, after dealing with the incident, Whelan was quick to comment on what he really thought of King’s contribution to the club during his 21-month stay with the Latics. After admitting that he regretted the day he signed King, Whelan said he “always thought his heart and soul wasn't in being a professional footballer”. This statement, especially from a top-flight Chairman, casts a shadow over the modern game and poses the question of exactly how many players may fit into this category.

Success at Watford, in a spell which saw King score 37 goals in 82 starts, catapulted him into being regarded as one of the country’s top marksmen. He came to the attention of many Premier League clubs in the January window of 2008 and sealed a £4million move to Wigan, which saw his weekly wages double to £40,000. However, this led to the downward spiral of King’s career. He failed to emulate the form that had earned him the move.

Did this put Marlon King in a comfort zone? He knew he was to earn over £7million over the following three-and-a-half-years. The thought that he would be on a footballer’s dreaded ‘wrong side’ of 30 when his deal expired may have left King with little incentive to make the same impact for Wigan as when still looking to further his career. May there have been added distractions off the pitch, when reaching a level of income that would be able to fund a lavish lifestyle.

In the way Premier League football has evolved with its huge injections of capital and many clubs adopting ‘rotation’ policies, this allows footballers to coast through their contracts with their reputations not a cause for concern.

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor voiced his opinion on how wages dictate a player’s loyalty earlier this year. He was asked whether it was true that playing for a certain club is not about the wages, “It is not true, it is about money”, Adebayor replied. Adebayor’s performances before and after earning himself a new contract, and therefore entering the ‘comfort zone’, whilst at Arsenal place him as a prime example of a player to whom Whelan’s comments apply.

Is it the case that footballers are not being given true incentive? Should their income be based around performance-related bonuses? Although bonuses are a feature of the modern game, they are in most cases, incomparable with a player’s salary. When a player is guaranteed his basic wage, where is the added incentive for his performance to improve, especially at clubs who find themselves with little to play for in terms of trophies?

That said, any sort of regulation upon a player’s basic wage would be almost impossible to implement. It is out of control as clubs compete for a player’s signature on a world stage with ready investment behind them. Any wage restructuring would undoubtedly cause rebellious action, as shown by the Indian Premier League in cricket. It is a sad fact of our game that some professionals are totally money driven, but it is important to note the existence of model professionals, still in the game, striving for success as they play for their love of football.

Fans quickly forget a footballer’s past when he is performing on the pitch. Lee Hughes, charged with causing death by dangerous driving back in 2004, has been welcomed back by Oldham and more recently, Notts County, after enjoying prolific goal scoring spells.

Whelan’s comments will undoubtedly affect King’s return to football if he chooses to resume his career after his jail sentence. Publicly saying he is a player with his heart not in the game tarnishes the views of fans, managers and chairmen of potential future clubs.

Whelan told BBC Radio Five Live that King’s situation had “been kept quite secret by the player” and that he “knew he did something but we didn't know exactly what it was”. Although this seems strange considering the allegations against King were published in December of last year.

King’s rapport with the Wigan faithful was also against him. He was under pressure after a poor run of form (one goal in 18 league appearances) and had been on loan twice. Previous incidents of jail sentencing, albeit for shorter periods, have seen players like Eric Cantona and Tony Adams continuing their football careers after they were released. However, this followed huge success prior to the sentencing and with King being a fringe player at Wigan his position is much more insecure.

Some would consider it no surprise that Dave Whelan sacked King, but would he have done this if he was one of their top players who may command a large transfer fee? At the end of the day, football is a business. Loyalty of employees and incentives to give of their best is an issue for all businesses but it is the fear of how many players see the sport as merely a business rather than the beautiful game.

Little Boots, The Anson Rooms, Bristol, 31.10.09

Music Review


“It feels like I’ve been invited to a party and I’ve turned up on the wrong day” said Victoria Hesketh (aka Little Boots) nearing completion of her recent performance at the Anson Rooms on Halloween. Ending a twelve-song set, Hesketh made the remark; assumed to refer to the crowd’s poor participation throughout. And Hesketh had every right to be aggrieved on what was the finale of her nine-date headline tour in the UK.

The 25-year-old from Blackpool has enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim throughout 2009 with her debut album, ‘Hands’, entering the UK album chart at number five in June. However, she is most well-known for her 2nd single, ‘Remedy’, which rose to number six in the singles chart. This song was, by far, the best received and the only one most of the crowd seemed to know the words to. Could this be due to the nature of the music industry nowadays? Does the ability to download single songs from iTunes and other illegal sources mean the remaining albums that artists perform when playing live are ignored? More people accessing individual tracks may lead to increased ticket sales but does this prevent albums being appreciated as a whole? Do smaller artists, with a lack of singles, suffer discouraging crowd support throughout their shows?

Something that could definitely not be criticised was Hesketh’s performance. The way she involves herself in each of her electro-pop-dance masterpieces creates a breathtakingly mysterious spectacle, teasing the crowd with her collection of electronic mechanisms throughout.

After seeing her play to a packed NME tent at Reading Festival earlier in the year, there was no doubt in my mind that Little Boots was destined for greatness, backed up by the fact that her live performance ‘Symmetry’ brings across the synth-pop magic of The Human League, even without Phil Oakley present in his vocal slot.

Ending with the truly mesmerizing ‘Stuck on Repeat’, Hesketh transforms the hushed atmosphere, with the aid of her piano, to an irresistible electronic-dance melody accompanied by a scintillating progression of lighting and gliding movements on stage and her now renowned ‘Tenori-on’.

Dressed in an ethereal ghost-white flowing material with a spooky, fluid, glam-rock hairstyle and black, webbed face-paint she created a truly artistic figure making this Halloween performance truly memorable. It was just a shame the audience did not fully immerse themselves in the experience. Little Boots is not just ‘Remedy’… She is so much more than that.