In the spirit of The Spencer Johnson Blues Explosion and Ashton Turner Overdrive Mark Butcher on comms often referred to New Zealand's excellent wicketkeeper as The Amazing Blundell. When asked by his bemused colleagues why he was referring to Tom in this way music buff Butch revealed it to be a reference to the early seventies folk/prog group Amazing Blondel.
The fiasco on day 4 was a fitting epitaph for the Stokes/McCullum era. Because they were doing so poorly at Test cricket, the ECB was seeking a cheat code to hack Test cricket and get to win easily, and they thought McCullum and Stokes could bend reality to make it their own fiefdom. The initial injection of adrenaline, combined with some good fortune and relatively mediocre opposition convinced them that their “New Age” approach was the silver bullet they sought. The truth is that, despite all the early success, the reality of Test cricket had its way with them, and the lack of attention to the fundamentals, combined with an unbelievably undisciplined approach to planning and management, brought the whole edifice crashing down. The “stuff you all” approach of day 4 was a clear indication of their acceptance that, as a team, they’re not very good at Test cricket, but would rather have the fun of village cricket on steroids without concern for the consequences. Although there are some fantastic talents emerging, like Brook and Bethel, I would argue that they would have emerged in any decent system and that, fundamentally, English Test cricket is in a worse position now than at the start of the whole crazy adventure. That’s not to say that there wasn’t a lot of fun along the way, but I think they have proved that there’s not a substitute for the hard work and discipline which other successful Test nations have pursued.
As my friend Scott Blenkinsop appropriated Ziggy, I have as well with that great San Jose one-hit-garage band-wonder, the Count V. Yes, the band seen in the video clip on the Podcast Page…
“Psychotic Reaction” was a hit single worldwide ... .a Top 10 single right here in OZ as well in 1966.
It was the cornerstone of one of the greatest compilations ever compiled - “Nuggets” - a double LP chock full of fast, frantic, predominantly American one hit wonders that charted in said country between 1965 and 1968.
Compiled by Patti Smith guitarist extraordinaire Lenny Kaye in 1972, it demands your attention if fast paced Rawknroll is your thing (the rocknroll equivalent of Bazball)... .and believe me this record has influenced many a respected musician.
And the great thing about this, dear reader, is that it is still available on LP and CD from discerning retailers….
Many an England supporter might've had these thoughts at the conclusion of play last night -
Awesome records. Introduced me to The Music Machine and The Seeds, who I love. Although I confess I was introduced to 'Psychotic Reaction' by The Cramps!
Stormont is my favourite international cricket ground in the British Isles. Where else can you get a day one ticket for a test match for £20? The setting of the ground against the backdrop of the assembly building and the castle with the park next to the Civil Service of Northern Ireland sports ground is just lovely.
A killer single that sounded totally wild & unhinged when it was released. Few of us knew it was
a kindie ditty compared to Howlin’ Wolf doing Moanin’ at Midnight, another appropriate evocation of Ben Stokes’ blues at the day 4 post-stumps press conferences. Stokes’ magnetic look-at-moi charisma guarantees that, like Wolf, someone (sponsors, media) will keep knockin’ at Ben’s door. We haven’t seen the last of him.
In the spirit of The Spencer Johnson Blues Explosion and Ashton Turner Overdrive Mark Butcher on comms often referred to New Zealand's excellent wicketkeeper as The Amazing Blundell. When asked by his bemused colleagues why he was referring to Tom in this way music buff Butch revealed it to be a reference to the early seventies folk/prog group Amazing Blondel.
That's quality. Butch knows his stuff.
The fiasco on day 4 was a fitting epitaph for the Stokes/McCullum era. Because they were doing so poorly at Test cricket, the ECB was seeking a cheat code to hack Test cricket and get to win easily, and they thought McCullum and Stokes could bend reality to make it their own fiefdom. The initial injection of adrenaline, combined with some good fortune and relatively mediocre opposition convinced them that their “New Age” approach was the silver bullet they sought. The truth is that, despite all the early success, the reality of Test cricket had its way with them, and the lack of attention to the fundamentals, combined with an unbelievably undisciplined approach to planning and management, brought the whole edifice crashing down. The “stuff you all” approach of day 4 was a clear indication of their acceptance that, as a team, they’re not very good at Test cricket, but would rather have the fun of village cricket on steroids without concern for the consequences. Although there are some fantastic talents emerging, like Brook and Bethel, I would argue that they would have emerged in any decent system and that, fundamentally, English Test cricket is in a worse position now than at the start of the whole crazy adventure. That’s not to say that there wasn’t a lot of fun along the way, but I think they have proved that there’s not a substitute for the hard work and discipline which other successful Test nations have pursued.
Another GREAT title
As my friend Scott Blenkinsop appropriated Ziggy, I have as well with that great San Jose one-hit-garage band-wonder, the Count V. Yes, the band seen in the video clip on the Podcast Page…
“Psychotic Reaction” was a hit single worldwide ... .a Top 10 single right here in OZ as well in 1966.
It was the cornerstone of one of the greatest compilations ever compiled - “Nuggets” - a double LP chock full of fast, frantic, predominantly American one hit wonders that charted in said country between 1965 and 1968.
Compiled by Patti Smith guitarist extraordinaire Lenny Kaye in 1972, it demands your attention if fast paced Rawknroll is your thing (the rocknroll equivalent of Bazball)... .and believe me this record has influenced many a respected musician.
And the great thing about this, dear reader, is that it is still available on LP and CD from discerning retailers….
Many an England supporter might've had these thoughts at the conclusion of play last night -
“I feel depressed, I feel so sad…..
You're one of the best captains we've ever had…
I can't get your lore, I can't get your actions…
Oh Ben Stokes - Psychotic Reaction….
And it feels like this….”
Awesome records. Introduced me to The Music Machine and The Seeds, who I love. Although I confess I was introduced to 'Psychotic Reaction' by The Cramps!
Indeed Gideon...the Music Machine and The Seeds.....Garage Rock Royalty?
Mind you, the Cramps did a fantastic version of the song on (I think) Psychedelic Jungle.
Stormont is my favourite international cricket ground in the British Isles. Where else can you get a day one ticket for a test match for £20? The setting of the ground against the backdrop of the assembly building and the castle with the park next to the Civil Service of Northern Ireland sports ground is just lovely.
A killer single that sounded totally wild & unhinged when it was released. Few of us knew it was
a kindie ditty compared to Howlin’ Wolf doing Moanin’ at Midnight, another appropriate evocation of Ben Stokes’ blues at the day 4 post-stumps press conferences. Stokes’ magnetic look-at-moi charisma guarantees that, like Wolf, someone (sponsors, media) will keep knockin’ at Ben’s door. We haven’t seen the last of him.
https://youtu.be/SQYJB9_Gu9w?si=EnME9WpkMQ_33F5P
Gid and Pete - I’d love to hear your thoughts on comparisons of Stokes to Botham. Thanks gents.
Excellent pod on Stokes' last hurrah. He was certainly an enigma in so many dimensions.
Thanks Pete & Gideon 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼