~
... but a goody!
~
The ICC have today released a code of conduct for backyard cricket…
1. GENERAL RULES
1a. Can’t Get Out First Ball: Curious rule introduced to give the token unco
dickhead a reprieve. Smart-arse batsmen use it to hone their reverse sweep;
which becomes interesting when smart-arse bowlers use it to hone their beamer.
1b. Caught Behind (auto wicky): Since no one has the desire or the reflexes to
stand in the slips cordon, an edge onto the back fence constitutes instant
dismissal. Has signalled the death of the late cut.
1c. One Hand, One Bounce: This popular innovation (where bye a fielder can dismiss a batsman by catching the ball in one hand on the first bounce) is essential to
the very fabric of the sport. Importantly, it means a game can be organised
with a minimum of players. NB: that this rule only applies when the fielder is
holding a beer in their other hand.
1d. No LBW: When no umpires are available (or trustworthy), the only option is
to can the LBW rule altogether, ensuring cagey batsmen shuffle across the
crease as is test driving a Zimmer frame.
1e. Six And Out (Then Fetch It): Introduced to combat space and energy
restrictions. It’s rumoured to have been initiated by a hapless bowler living
alongside a pack of Rottweilers.
1f. Standard Over: All veteran backyard bowlers know that the standard length
of an over in backyard cricket ranges from anything between 10-12 balls. You
only relinquish the bowling duties when questioned by any fielders or opposing
team members. But only after the standard response of “Two to go” or “Get
F*cked”.
2. ESSENTIAL ITEMS
2a. Esky: Strategically placed at the bowler’s end, the esky is the shrine; the
fuel; the 'Richie Benaud' of backyard cricket; because it holds the beer!
2b. The Ball: A minimum of 3 tennis balls is advised, as there’s always some
smart-arse who delights in tonking them over the fence (see rule 1e).
Advanced exponents use electrical tape around half the ball to give it more
swing than Austin Powers.
2c. Dog: Preferably of Kelpie or Heeler extraction, so it can field every ball,
including those that disappear under the house or thorny bushes. The downside is
that they produce more slobber than a 14 year old male Penthouse reader.
2d. Rubbish Bin: It would be nice to think you can clean up your own mess, but
in reality the bin is a perfect replacement for a set of stumps.
2e. Bat: Boasting multiple scratches and dents, and no grip left on the handle,
it’s usually of 1980’s vintage with a single scoop, with a fake signature of
Allan Border or Merv Hughes providing added backyard credibility.
3. CODE OF ETHICS
3a. Stumps: The game draws to a close when...
i) Your host finally cooks the snags after the barbie has run out of gas,
ii) Someone hits the last ball onto the road and it disappears down the drain
(not withstanding rules 1e and 2c),
iii) You can’t get that batsman out with any type of bowling - pace or spin,
iv) Your girlfriend cracks the sh1ts and wants to go home because "you become a
f*cking idiot when you hang around with your mates".
3b. Flower Damage: Any respectful male will cringe and help hide the fact that
you have just topped your girlfriend’s petunias (somehow, the universal threat
of a week-long drought bonds the male species).
3c. Spilt Beer: Ideally, the offending batsman should apologise profusely and
offer to replace the vanquished stubby. Fat Chance. The feat prompts sh1tloads
of laughter, and the usually triumphant “Get me one while you’re at it you
f*cking retard!”
3d. No Running Between Wickets: Every backyard cricket specialist should know
this phrase, “The words fun and run don’t go together.” Just ask Arjuna
Ranatunga. Besides, how the hell are you supposed to run in thongs?
3e. Courtesy Call: Always invite the chicks to have a bat. They usually say no,
but on the odd occasion, they do take a grip of the willow. You can bowl a
couple of 'dollies' to her so she can have hit before ending this freakish sideshow
with a yorker.
Most chicks hold a bat as if they’re chopping wood, and they
bowl as if throwing left-handed. And they can’t handle yorkers.
Still, someone has to make the salad.
... but a goody!
~
The ICC have today released a code of conduct for backyard cricket…
1. GENERAL RULES
1a. Can’t Get Out First Ball: Curious rule introduced to give the token unco
dickhead a reprieve. Smart-arse batsmen use it to hone their reverse sweep;
which becomes interesting when smart-arse bowlers use it to hone their beamer.
1b. Caught Behind (auto wicky): Since no one has the desire or the reflexes to
stand in the slips cordon, an edge onto the back fence constitutes instant
dismissal. Has signalled the death of the late cut.
1c. One Hand, One Bounce: This popular innovation (where bye a fielder can dismiss a batsman by catching the ball in one hand on the first bounce) is essential to
the very fabric of the sport. Importantly, it means a game can be organised
with a minimum of players. NB: that this rule only applies when the fielder is
holding a beer in their other hand.
1d. No LBW: When no umpires are available (or trustworthy), the only option is
to can the LBW rule altogether, ensuring cagey batsmen shuffle across the
crease as is test driving a Zimmer frame.
1e. Six And Out (Then Fetch It): Introduced to combat space and energy
restrictions. It’s rumoured to have been initiated by a hapless bowler living
alongside a pack of Rottweilers.
1f. Standard Over: All veteran backyard bowlers know that the standard length
of an over in backyard cricket ranges from anything between 10-12 balls. You
only relinquish the bowling duties when questioned by any fielders or opposing
team members. But only after the standard response of “Two to go” or “Get
F*cked”.
2. ESSENTIAL ITEMS
2a. Esky: Strategically placed at the bowler’s end, the esky is the shrine; the
fuel; the 'Richie Benaud' of backyard cricket; because it holds the beer!
2b. The Ball: A minimum of 3 tennis balls is advised, as there’s always some
smart-arse who delights in tonking them over the fence (see rule 1e).
Advanced exponents use electrical tape around half the ball to give it more
swing than Austin Powers.
2c. Dog: Preferably of Kelpie or Heeler extraction, so it can field every ball,
including those that disappear under the house or thorny bushes. The downside is
that they produce more slobber than a 14 year old male Penthouse reader.
2d. Rubbish Bin: It would be nice to think you can clean up your own mess, but
in reality the bin is a perfect replacement for a set of stumps.
2e. Bat: Boasting multiple scratches and dents, and no grip left on the handle,
it’s usually of 1980’s vintage with a single scoop, with a fake signature of
Allan Border or Merv Hughes providing added backyard credibility.
3. CODE OF ETHICS
3a. Stumps: The game draws to a close when...
i) Your host finally cooks the snags after the barbie has run out of gas,
ii) Someone hits the last ball onto the road and it disappears down the drain
(not withstanding rules 1e and 2c),
iii) You can’t get that batsman out with any type of bowling - pace or spin,
iv) Your girlfriend cracks the sh1ts and wants to go home because "you become a
f*cking idiot when you hang around with your mates".
3b. Flower Damage: Any respectful male will cringe and help hide the fact that
you have just topped your girlfriend’s petunias (somehow, the universal threat
of a week-long drought bonds the male species).
3c. Spilt Beer: Ideally, the offending batsman should apologise profusely and
offer to replace the vanquished stubby. Fat Chance. The feat prompts sh1tloads
of laughter, and the usually triumphant “Get me one while you’re at it you
f*cking retard!”
3d. No Running Between Wickets: Every backyard cricket specialist should know
this phrase, “The words fun and run don’t go together.” Just ask Arjuna
Ranatunga. Besides, how the hell are you supposed to run in thongs?
3e. Courtesy Call: Always invite the chicks to have a bat. They usually say no,
but on the odd occasion, they do take a grip of the willow. You can bowl a
couple of 'dollies' to her so she can have hit before ending this freakish sideshow
with a yorker.
Most chicks hold a bat as if they’re chopping wood, and they
bowl as if throwing left-handed. And they can’t handle yorkers.
Still, someone has to make the salad.
