Does anyone have any insight as to why the crowds have been so low for the Tests.
Given the historic ties with England and the high quality of entertainment on display is it just a financial thing? Surely if so better to charge less and have a full stadium?
They have probably left a lot of the organising to the last minute as @flymofrank mentioned. On the grand scheme of things, the attendance probably hasn't been that bad, they would fill out Old Trafford or Edgbaston. However, when they play in stadiums that can have 60 - 85 thousand people, it's the same as going to watch MK Dons. The TV rights were only signed a week before the series and the pricing would have isolated most of the fans from going. They have had a pretty poor 6 months which only comes together for the IPL and then the money is never seen again
Apparently if you're the first two involved in the fight, you get away with a sin bin - but if you wade in after, you're in serious trouble. I might have to start watching it!
The Lord's tour is a good one. It is full of great stories and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for cricketing buffs. The museum there holds some truly iconic historical items.
A big milestone today, Chiltern Railways ran the first test train on East West Rail. No word yet on when scheduled services start. I originally heard in Spring but that may have been put back to later next year. Disappointing that it's not electrified. No word on whether Aylesbury to MK line will go ahead, unlikely in the current economic climate.
I used to wonder how people could get tricked by con-men and grifters promising the earth, if you send them money.
Never thought it could happen on this scale...so I assume King Boz will be hurtling back from oblivion to Badenoch's cabinet.
I can how people might disagree with Harris on a range of issues...but at least they could vote her out. I'm not so sure Piers and Nigel's fascist thug will go at all this time.
Anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist in charge of Health?
Billionaire who exploits other people's work in charge of running the government?
Putin and Kim emboldened, Gaza flattened and Europe abandoned.
Our only hope is he's too busy pardoning himself and arguing on Twitter to actually do anything and there are some generals with a moral compass in Defence...
Harsh reality is that mankind has over reached itself and as the population ages and the climate deteriorates, it is almost certain that living standards in the developed world have to fall. That is painful enough for those of us who are reasonably comfortable but a major issue for those already struggling on a day to day basis. Give a drowning man a straw, someone to blame and a little hope and perhaps understandable they grab it even if its pretty obvious the straw is illusionary.
Saddest thing here is that it is perhaps final proof that mankind is not collectively clever enough to make sacrifices now for long term gain and it does appear that the climate, the planet and our grandchildren are now f*cked. Better just pray that the scientists are proved wrong.
Ho hum, feck it, nothing I can do, might as well turn the news off and enjoy the rest of my life. At least we are top of the league.
Sorry, but this is nonsense. Trump’s win had feck all to do with “economic anxiety” and a great deal more to do with misogyny, racism and xenophobia. Don’t make excuses for the morally indefensible
Not sure I entirely agree with that. There could be a decent chunk of voters who are just dissatisfied with their current life and wanting to punish the incumbent, and it’s unfortunate that the beneficiary is a corrupt, abusive racist who is a danger to democracy.
I have spoken to a number of Americans over recent weeks and was not shocked at all by the result, the scale maybe. Harris didn't get her message across. Trump did. Vote Trump things will get better (credibility aside). Biden was VERY unpopular and choosing Harris as the nomination was a massive mistake, after letting Biden carry on way too long.
The American's I have spoken to (and there were some of both sides in all fairness) agreed that the democrats have run a sneering campaign. There has been rhetoric that any questioning of certain policies makes you naturally anti that policy. Immigration I guess is the main one, but not the only one.
Also Harris running a campaign proclaiming economic excellence when Americans (like all of us) are demonstrably poorer than we were 4 years ago. Yes there are mitigating circumstances but try telling that to someone who is struggling to eat.
Trump remains one of the world's great a holes for sure. But the name calling and insults being flung around just because the majority of people voted for him is not going to repair the divide. It is time to turn the dial down. If it was turned down he would be left marooned in his own cess pit.
Surely there always are some disenfranchised people in difficult times and nobody likes being talked down to...but for there to be enough who are prepared to set aside all the deep aged character flaws, criminal intent and basic depravity of that man is just a bit odd to most people outside of it.
Comments
Does anyone have any insight as to why the crowds have been so low for the Tests.
Given the historic ties with England and the high quality of entertainment on display is it just a financial thing? Surely if so better to charge less and have a full stadium?
They had big problems with the ticketing system for the world cup, I seem to remember, and I guess a lot of Indians will be priced out too.
They have probably left a lot of the organising to the last minute as @flymofrank mentioned. On the grand scheme of things, the attendance probably hasn't been that bad, they would fill out Old Trafford or Edgbaston. However, when they play in stadiums that can have 60 - 85 thousand people, it's the same as going to watch MK Dons. The TV rights were only signed a week before the series and the pricing would have isolated most of the fans from going. They have had a pretty poor 6 months which only comes together for the IPL and then the money is never seen again
Incredible scenes from the NHL https://x.com/CollinRugg/status/1775679038948098198?t=se2ytXqpnncsXbt6tUucpw&s=08
Wow. One of the twitter comments best summed it up: "What would fighting be without a little hockey"
Apparently if you're the first two involved in the fight, you get away with a sin bin - but if you wade in after, you're in serious trouble. I might have to start watching it!
I've seen better fights outside a flat roofed pub.
Ah, but were they on ice...?
Summer has arrived at the Oval. Good to see people picnicing on the outfield at lunch. Surrey 155-0, in reply to Somerset's 285 all out.
That's the most British thing I've ever seen and I love it.
Best part of going to the cricket as a kid was playing on the outfield during the lunch break.
I've only ever been to test cricket at Lord's, where I assume they won't let the punters on the outfield?
They don’t really want you in the ground, let alone on the pitch
Fair point. I think they still have a ban on fancy dress.
The Lord's tour is a good one. It is full of great stories and a thoroughly enjoyable experience for cricketing buffs. The museum there holds some truly iconic historical items.
They used to, you could go and have a look at the wicket
A big milestone today, Chiltern Railways ran the first test train on East West Rail. No word yet on when scheduled services start. I originally heard in Spring but that may have been put back to later next year. Disappointing that it's not electrified. No word on whether Aylesbury to MK line will go ahead, unlikely in the current economic climate.
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/first-train-completes-test-run-between-oxford-and-milton-keynes-for-east-west-rail
I saw Geoff Capes had passed away today. A giant of a man and an incredible athlete too.
I came across this amazing clip this evening.
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3256512901294279&id=100063964301608
Best in his prime was around 11 stone, Geoff about 26 stone. Geoff no slouch over a short distance either.
He also played football for Lincolnshire at County level in his teens. 5 inches taller and 50% heavier than Akinfenwa with a turn of speed.
So @Shev and @floyd, either of you thinking of moving to the UK?
If they don’t get deported first!
I have never felt so utterly depressed on the morning after a 5-0 win
But at least by tomorrow the Ukraine war will be over after Trump has his cosy chat with Vladimir!
I used to wonder how people could get tricked by con-men and grifters promising the earth, if you send them money.
Never thought it could happen on this scale...so I assume King Boz will be hurtling back from oblivion to Badenoch's cabinet.
I can how people might disagree with Harris on a range of issues...but at least they could vote her out. I'm not so sure Piers and Nigel's fascist thug will go at all this time.
Anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist in charge of Health?
Billionaire who exploits other people's work in charge of running the government?
Putin and Kim emboldened, Gaza flattened and Europe abandoned.
Our only hope is he's too busy pardoning himself and arguing on Twitter to actually do anything and there are some generals with a moral compass in Defence...
It's true. I've been very emboldened by this. That and the 5-0.
Get back to stirring up that Uranium in your basement.
Harsh reality is that mankind has over reached itself and as the population ages and the climate deteriorates, it is almost certain that living standards in the developed world have to fall. That is painful enough for those of us who are reasonably comfortable but a major issue for those already struggling on a day to day basis. Give a drowning man a straw, someone to blame and a little hope and perhaps understandable they grab it even if its pretty obvious the straw is illusionary.
Saddest thing here is that it is perhaps final proof that mankind is not collectively clever enough to make sacrifices now for long term gain and it does appear that the climate, the planet and our grandchildren are now f*cked. Better just pray that the scientists are proved wrong.
Ho hum, feck it, nothing I can do, might as well turn the news off and enjoy the rest of my life. At least we are top of the league.
Sorry, but this is nonsense. Trump’s win had feck all to do with “economic anxiety” and a great deal more to do with misogyny, racism and xenophobia. Don’t make excuses for the morally indefensible
Not sure I entirely agree with that. There could be a decent chunk of voters who are just dissatisfied with their current life and wanting to punish the incumbent, and it’s unfortunate that the beneficiary is a corrupt, abusive racist who is a danger to democracy.
I have spoken to a number of Americans over recent weeks and was not shocked at all by the result, the scale maybe. Harris didn't get her message across. Trump did. Vote Trump things will get better (credibility aside). Biden was VERY unpopular and choosing Harris as the nomination was a massive mistake, after letting Biden carry on way too long.
The American's I have spoken to (and there were some of both sides in all fairness) agreed that the democrats have run a sneering campaign. There has been rhetoric that any questioning of certain policies makes you naturally anti that policy. Immigration I guess is the main one, but not the only one.
Also Harris running a campaign proclaiming economic excellence when Americans (like all of us) are demonstrably poorer than we were 4 years ago. Yes there are mitigating circumstances but try telling that to someone who is struggling to eat.
Trump remains one of the world's great a holes for sure. But the name calling and insults being flung around just because the majority of people voted for him is not going to repair the divide. It is time to turn the dial down. If it was turned down he would be left marooned in his own cess pit.
Surely there always are some disenfranchised people in difficult times and nobody likes being talked down to...but for there to be enough who are prepared to set aside all the deep aged character flaws, criminal intent and basic depravity of that man is just a bit odd to most people outside of it.