Bloggers of the world unite

Wisden 2014

In my article on the subject of blogs for this year’s Wisden Almanack, I fly the flag once more for that much-maligned individual: the fan with a laptop. They are fans, not just with laptops, but with cricket in their blood and oftentimes rage in their hearts.

If, like me, you have put up with cricket’s recent avalanche of corporate waffle, platitudinous pablum, overbearing obfuscation and patronising put-downs (“people from outside cricket”, anyone?), pontification on “the spirit of the game” and “team ethic” while the Big Three carve up world cricket (hard-headed corporate pragmatism or power-hungry self-interest with nary a thought for the good of the game? – you decide), then you too may have felt a certain weariness in your soul over much of what has gone on over the last few months.

To those who run the game, it seems that shelling out £100 of your hard-earned for a match-day ticket and £70 for a monthly Sky subscription does not entitle you to an opinion. To those who run the game, it would be better for everyone if the fans just sat down and shut the hell up.

Thankfully, the bloggers who I talk about in my article say screw all that. There is anger. There is quiet consideration. There is dismay, betrayal, and disbelief that it has all come to this. There is writing for the pure love of the game: writing that celebrates its history, frets over its present, and fears for its future.

This year’s keepers of the flame, I salute you:

theshortmidwicket.blogspot.co.uk
thearmchairselector.com
www.goalsandwickets.co.uk
idlesummers.com
www.drawingthestumps.blogspot.co.uk
womens-cricket.blogspot.co.uk
samebat.blogspot.co.uk
zoetakingthefield.wordpress.com
normblog.typepad.com
backwatersman.wordpress.com
thatisstumps.wordpress.com
blogs.theaustralian.news.com.au/cutsandglances

I described in my article how Giles Clarke got in touch with me to discuss cricket blogging – a definite sense of mistrust permeated his approach, and I sensed a fear of the unknown and a desire for control, not conciliation. Nothing that has happened since – from the ECB’s failure to explain its sacking of Kevin Pietersen to its jockeying for power on the world stage – has persuaded me otherwise.

I’m immensely proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity to write the blogs article for the Wisden Almanack three years running, for being in the company of an august roll-call of some of the greatest names to have written on this wonderful sport we all love. I also feel that, having given my views on why an independent, informed and vocal fan base is important, it’s time for someone else to have a go. From next year I’m letting someone else bang the drum. From that drum, and in the name of every fan with a laptop, let there come one almighty racket.

9 Responses to “Bloggers of the world unite”

  1. Bill furmedge says:

    Don’t give up your Wisden article. It’s thoroughly enjoyable and always looked forward to

  2. legsidefilth says:

    Thanks, Bill – that’s extremely kind of you. I just figured it was time, really.

  3. Zoe says:

    Thanks so so much for the mention. Can’t believe I’m in Wisden!
    I had to give up my job at Lord’s and now work in a dull but difficult admin job due to a stubborn commitment I have to a thing known as ‘rent’. Rather depressing state of affairs, but thanks to you I now have evidence that I once did something truly worthwhile.
    Thank you!

  4. legsidefilth says:

    You’re welcome, Zoe.
    “Life is what happens while we’re making other plans” – I know that feeling well. Your blog was a joy to read; I doubt there was anyone who read it who – like me – wasn’t at least a little bit jealous! Best of luck in your future endeavours, and yes, we’ll always have “the little Yellow Book”.
    Best,
    Sandy

  5. Cricinfo says:

    i really want to thank to you,
    Nice Sharing of wisden cricket 2014

  6. Benny says:

    Found you via a link in Dmitri Old’s blog. Kind of bemused by your list of This year’s keepers of the flame. Clicking through them, I find several haven’t posted anything this year. Not much of a flame

  7. legsidefilth says:

    Hi Benny,

    My article for Wisden was a retrospective, written at the end of 2013, highlighting the blogs that, in my opinion, had the most trenchant and interesting things to say about issues which arose that year, or aspects of the game which I felt deserved wider attention. It is the nature of blogging that sites come and go; one of the bloggers I listed sadly passed away last year. With the English summer getting into full swing, perhaps enthusiasms will revive (including mine after the recent dreary controversies) and keyboards will be revved up once more.

    Best,

    LSF

  8. Chris Smith says:

    On the theme of ‘bloggers of the world unite’, I’d like to invite you to take part in the Cricket Blogger Survey. I understand you’re not blogging now, but am still keen to get your input. 20 questions, 10 mins is all it takes. Thanks, Chris
    Declaration Game cricket blog
    http://chrispscricket.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/the-cricket-blogger-survey/

  9. Mangesh says:

    Dude, why did you stop writing. I came across this blog today and even without the benefit of prolonged exposure, I already know that it is among the most entertaining cricket writings which I have ever come across. Oh well, the old order changeth…..

    Feel free to restore the order though. Cheers

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